Festus, MO (May 13, 2025) – Emergency crews responded early Monday morning to a head-on collision in Jefferson County that left one woman injured and both vehicles with extensive damage after one driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.
The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Route Z, just east of Towerview Road in Festus. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 20-year-old male from Festus was driving a 2013 Nissan Maxima westbound on Route Z when he fell asleep behind the wheel. This caused his vehicle to drift across the center of the road into oncoming traffic.
At the same time, a 49-year-old female driver, also from Festus, was traveling eastbound in a 2014 Ford Escape. The front of the Maxima collided with the front left side of the Escape, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles. Both cars were towed from the scene by McCain’s Towing.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed the scene and the injured driver. The woman sustained minor injuries despite wearing a seatbelt and was transported to Mercy Hospital Jefferson via private vehicle for further evaluation. No injuries were reported for the male driver of the Maxima, who also had been wearing a seatbelt.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash, which serves as a reminder of the dangers of drowsy driving. No further updates on the woman’s condition have been made public.
Our thoughts are with the injured individual, and we wish her a smooth and complete recovery.
Drowsy Driving Crashes in Missouri
Fatigue-related crashes continue to be a troubling reality on Missouri’s roadways, especially in rural counties like Jefferson, where early morning traffic is often light but fast-moving. The collision on Route Z in Festus provides a stark example of the consequences when a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, even momentarily.
In this case, a 20-year-old driver crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on—a scenario that often results in severe or fatal injuries. Fortunately, the 49-year-old driver who was struck sustained only minor injuries, but this outcome could have easily been far worse. Both vehicles were extensively damaged, underscoring the force of the impact even at early morning speeds.
Drowsy driving crashes share characteristics with impaired driving: slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and drifting out of lanes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that thousands of crashes annually involve a fatigued driver, many of which go unreported or misclassified.
Route Z is a common commuter route for residents in the Festus area, and early morning travel increases the risk for fatigue, especially among younger drivers who may underestimate the dangers of driving while tired. This crash reinforces the need for awareness and education around rest, alertness, and avoiding unnecessary travel when sleep-deprived.
Beyond personal responsibility, incidents like this also highlight the importance of local efforts to improve road safety through signage, rumble strips, and public outreach campaigns focused on driver fatigue.
For those affected by such collisions, even minor injuries can have lasting effects, from lost workdays to lingering pain or emotional trauma. Knowing where to turn for legal, medical, or practical support can make all the difference in the recovery process.
Falling asleep behind the wheel can lead to devastating consequences. If you’ve been impacted by a crash involving drowsy driving, it’s crucial to understand your options. Local Accident Reports connects victims with valuable information and supportive resources to help navigate recovery and resolution. Reach out to Local Accident Reports today for compassionate assistance in moving forward after a serious collision.