Learn about Daylight Savings Time and how it can affect you negatively as a driver.
Daylight saving time (DST) involves setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and one hour back in the fall. While widely practiced, DST has sparked significant debate, with its impact on drivers emerging as a key concern. So why is daylight savings time bad for drivers? Our Long Island car accident lawyers explain the dangers for drivers.
The time change during DST affects drivers’ sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and drowsiness while driving. This can result in more frequent accidents and fatalities on the roads. Setting the clock an hour ahead also creates confusion for drivers, especially those commuting between states that do not observe DST, leading to potential traffic accidents and delays.
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What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight savings is a practice designed to make better use of natural daylight by adjusting the clocks in accordance with seasonal changes in daylight hours. Daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March—”spring forward”—and ends on the first Sunday in November—”fall back.”
Why Was Daylight Saving Time Introduced?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, daylight saving time—originally nicknamed “war time”— officially began in the United States on March 19, 1918, when the Standard Time Act was signed into law. It was introduced to add more light hours during the day to reduce energy costs during World War I. This law also created the five time zones we use today.
What Is the Connection Between DST and Sleep Deprivation?
The shift in time can affect sleep health by disrupting natural sleep patterns of individuals. The Sleep Foundation describes the body’s internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm, as the regulator of our sleep-wake cycle according to light exposure. The sudden change in daylight hours during DST can cause difficulty falling asleep and waking up at the desired times. This can lead to drowsy driving, which increases the risk of accidents. The use of sleep medicine also increases during DST, impacting sleep patterns.
Increased Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to a study published in the journal Current Biology, there is a 6% increase in fatal car accidents in the week following the spring DST transition.
Lack of sleep from DST can greatly impair driving. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, leading to slower reaction times, reduced awareness, and poor decision-making—increasing the risk of serious accidents.
In addition, with the sudden change in morning light, drivers may not be used to driving in darker conditions, increasing their risk for accidents. The study also found that there was no decrease in accidents after adjusting back to Standard Time.
Public Health and Traffic Safety Concerns
DST can also have negative effects on public health and traffic safety, in addition to the potential for increased motor vehicle accidents. The disruption of sleep patterns caused by DST has been linked to health risks, including an increase in workplace accidents, heart attacks, and strokes. Mental health issues such as depression, mood disorders, and anxiety may also be associated with less morning light.
Furthermore, studies show there is a higher incidence of pedestrian fatalities during the evening commute hours following the spring DST transition. This is because drivers may be less alert, and pedestrians may have trouble adjusting to darker conditions.
What Is Being Done in New York to Address These Issues?
New York, along with several other states, has introduced competing legislation to adopt permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. Additionally, New York Senate Bill S297 is under consideration to establish a task force to assess the economic and health impacts if New York should opt out of daylight saving time.
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How Can Drivers Stay Safe After the Clocks Change?
With the increase in accidents during DST, it is important for individuals to prioritize their sleep and adjust their schedules accordingly. Here are some tips to help stay safe on the road:
- Plan ahead and get enough sleep before driving long distances.
- Avoid driving during evening hours and rush hour traffic if possible.
- Increase visibility by making sure headlights and taillights are working properly.
- Be aware of drowsy driving warning signs, such as yawning, heavy eyes, and drifting out of the lane.
- Take breaks every two hours during long drives to stretch and rest.
- Adjust sleep schedules gradually leading up to DST transition to minimize sleep disruption.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident After DST
If you’ve been injured by another driver after DST, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call today.
