Could you be making the same mistake that left REO Speedwagon’s Terry Luttrell with shocking injuries?
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It’s a story that could happen to any of us: a long night, a few hours of sleep, and the belief that we’re just fine to get behind the wheel.
For Terry Luttrell, the original lead singer of REO Speedwagon, that split-second decision nearly cost him his life—and it’s a wake-up call for all of us here at The GrayVine.
A Rock Legend’s Close Call
Terry Luttrell, now 78, is a name that echoes through the halls of classic rock history. As the original voice behind REO Speedwagon’s debut album, he helped lay the foundation for one of America’s most beloved bands.
But this past weekend, Luttrell’s story took a harrowing turn. After a late-night concert and autograph session in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, he left the afterparty at 2 am and didn’t get to bed until nearly dawn.
Just a few hours later, he was back on the road, feeling “a little bit sleepy”—a feeling many of us have brushed off at one time or another.
But fatigue is a silent predator. Luttrell nodded off at the wheel on Interstate 57, and in an instant, his car rolled over.
He awoke cocooned in airbags, his sternum cracked, his car totaled, but—miraculously—alive. “I was able to get up and get out of the car,” he told reporters from his hospital bed, where he’s now recovering and undergoing rehab for his injuries.
The Hidden Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Luttrell’s ordeal is a stark reminder: drowsy driving is every bit as dangerous as driving under the influence.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths each year in the US alone.
As we age, our sleep patterns can change, and medications or health conditions may make us even more susceptible to fatigue behind the wheel.
Also read: Heartbreak in Nashville: Country singer involved in the death of a local grandmother
It’s easy to think, “I’ll be fine,” or “It’s just a short drive.” But the truth is, it only takes a moment for a micro-nap to turn into a life-altering event. Luttrell’s story could have ended much differently—and for many, it does.
A Look Back at REO Speedwagon’s Legacy
For those who may not know, REO Speedwagon’s roots stretch back to 1966, when Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer met as students at the University of Illinois.
Luttrell joined the group in 1967, and their self-titled debut album hit shelves in 1971. Though Luttrell left after that first record, replaced by Kevin Cronin, his mark on the band’s early sound is undeniable.
REO Speedwagon went on to become a staple of American rock, with chart-topping albums like Hi Infidelity (featuring Keep On Lovin’ You and Take It On The Run) and Wheels Are Turnin’ (with the unforgettable Can’t Fight This Feeling). Their music has been the soundtrack to countless road trips, backyard barbecues, and—yes—late-night drives.
In September 2024, after 57 years and numerous lineup changes, the band announced they were calling it quits, citing “irreconcilable differences.” But their legacy, and Luttrell’s role in it, lives on.
Lessons for All of Us: Staying Safe on the Road
Terry Luttrell’s accident is a sobering lesson, especially for those of us who remember the days when seatbelts were optional and cars were built like tanks.
Today’s vehicles are safer than ever, but nothing can protect us from the dangers of fatigue except our own good judgment.
Here are a few tips to help keep you—and your loved ones—safe:
1. Know the Signs of Drowsiness
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Trouble keeping your head up
- Drifting from your lane
- Missing exits or traffic signs
Also read: The one that got away? Which iconic ‘80s star Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus almost kissed—and why he wishes he had
2. Don’t Rely on “Powering Through”
If you feel sleepy, pull over in a safe place and take a short nap. Even 20 minutes can make a difference.
3. Plan Ahead
If you know you’ll be out late, arrange for a ride, stay overnight, or give yourself plenty of time to rest before driving.
4. Check Your Medications
Some prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
5. Share the Drive
If you’re traveling with others, take turns behind the wheel.
6. Listen to Your Body
No concert, party, or appointment is worth risking your life—or someone else’s.
Read next: Billionaire’s haunting final words stun crowd before sudden collapse
Have you ever had a close call with drowsy driving? What steps do you take to stay alert on the road? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below!
For Terry Luttrell, the original lead singer of REO Speedwagon, that split-second decision nearly cost him his life—and it’s a wake-up call for all of us here at The GrayVine.
A Rock Legend’s Close Call
Terry Luttrell, now 78, is a name that echoes through the halls of classic rock history. As the original voice behind REO Speedwagon’s debut album, he helped lay the foundation for one of America’s most beloved bands.
But this past weekend, Luttrell’s story took a harrowing turn. After a late-night concert and autograph session in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, he left the afterparty at 2 am and didn’t get to bed until nearly dawn.
Just a few hours later, he was back on the road, feeling “a little bit sleepy”—a feeling many of us have brushed off at one time or another.
But fatigue is a silent predator. Luttrell nodded off at the wheel on Interstate 57, and in an instant, his car rolled over.
REO Speedwagon’s original lead singer, Terry Luttrell, survived a serious car crash after falling asleep at the wheel in Illinois, suffering a cracked sternum but is now on the mend in hospital. Image source: Uncle Cute / Youtube.
He awoke cocooned in airbags, his sternum cracked, his car totaled, but—miraculously—alive. “I was able to get up and get out of the car,” he told reporters from his hospital bed, where he’s now recovering and undergoing rehab for his injuries.
The Hidden Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Luttrell’s ordeal is a stark reminder: drowsy driving is every bit as dangerous as driving under the influence.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths each year in the US alone.
As we age, our sleep patterns can change, and medications or health conditions may make us even more susceptible to fatigue behind the wheel.
Also read: Heartbreak in Nashville: Country singer involved in the death of a local grandmother
It’s easy to think, “I’ll be fine,” or “It’s just a short drive.” But the truth is, it only takes a moment for a micro-nap to turn into a life-altering event. Luttrell’s story could have ended much differently—and for many, it does.
A Look Back at REO Speedwagon’s Legacy
For those who may not know, REO Speedwagon’s roots stretch back to 1966, when Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer met as students at the University of Illinois.
Luttrell joined the group in 1967, and their self-titled debut album hit shelves in 1971. Though Luttrell left after that first record, replaced by Kevin Cronin, his mark on the band’s early sound is undeniable.
REO Speedwagon went on to become a staple of American rock, with chart-topping albums like Hi Infidelity (featuring Keep On Lovin’ You and Take It On The Run) and Wheels Are Turnin’ (with the unforgettable Can’t Fight This Feeling). Their music has been the soundtrack to countless road trips, backyard barbecues, and—yes—late-night drives.
The accident happened after Luttrell had a long night performing and signing autographs, with little sleep before getting back on the road just hours later. Image source: Uncle Cute / Youtube.
In September 2024, after 57 years and numerous lineup changes, the band announced they were calling it quits, citing “irreconcilable differences.” But their legacy, and Luttrell’s role in it, lives on.
Lessons for All of Us: Staying Safe on the Road
Terry Luttrell’s accident is a sobering lesson, especially for those of us who remember the days when seatbelts were optional and cars were built like tanks.
Today’s vehicles are safer than ever, but nothing can protect us from the dangers of fatigue except our own good judgment.
Here are a few tips to help keep you—and your loved ones—safe:
1. Know the Signs of Drowsiness
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Trouble keeping your head up
- Drifting from your lane
- Missing exits or traffic signs
Also read: The one that got away? Which iconic ‘80s star Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus almost kissed—and why he wishes he had
2. Don’t Rely on “Powering Through”
If you feel sleepy, pull over in a safe place and take a short nap. Even 20 minutes can make a difference.
3. Plan Ahead
If you know you’ll be out late, arrange for a ride, stay overnight, or give yourself plenty of time to rest before driving.
4. Check Your Medications
Some prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
5. Share the Drive
If you’re traveling with others, take turns behind the wheel.
6. Listen to Your Body
No concert, party, or appointment is worth risking your life—or someone else’s.
Read next: Billionaire’s haunting final words stun crowd before sudden collapse
Have you ever had a close call with drowsy driving? What steps do you take to stay alert on the road? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below!
