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Each year, Daylight Saving Time quietly reshapes daily routines. A one-hour shift may not seem like a big deal, but it can disrupt concentration and reaction times in ways many drivers don’t immediately notice. When those changes carry over to the road, the risk of mistakes and collisions can increase.
Researchers have long examined how Daylight Saving Time transitions affect driver alertness and road safety, particularly during the days immediately after the clock changes. Understanding these risks can help drivers stay more aware during higher-risk periods and recognize when fatigue or sleep disruption may have played a role in a crash.
If you were injured during one of these transitions, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you understand whether another driver’s fatigue or inattention may support a claim.
Incidents of car accidents go up when the time changes each year
Daylight Saving Time was implemented in 1908 as a way to “create” longer hours of daylight during the summer months. In spring, we move the clock forward one hour, and in autumn, we move it back one hour.
Although it may seem minor, that one-hour difference often leads to sleep deprivation that results in injuries and fatal traffic accidents. Losing even one hour of sleep can affect alertness and decision-making, increasing the risk of traffic accidents during Daylight Saving Time transitions.
In the spring, people may wake up late and rush to work or other appointments, meaning they may speed and cause accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that the hours between 4-10 am and 3-9 pm saw a 12% increase in fatal car accidents during the spring change.
In the fall, the time change means drivers may be leaving and coming home in the dark as the daylight dwindles. In many areas, this can lead to more motor vehicle collisions, especially with wildlife.
In Current Biology, a study found that the incidence of motor vehicles hitting deer increases by 16% in the week after we change back to standard time in November. Reduced visibility during darker commute hours can also affect pedestrian safety and driver awareness, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents beyond wildlife collisions
Drivers are more likely to crash when they lose an hour of sleep
When other motorists are more sleepy behind the wheel after the springtime clock change, they suffer associated effects. Any of these is a problem year-round, but they are more common when someone’s internal clock is out of alignment. Sleep deprivation can lead to the following issues:
- They are less able to focus on driving tasks and what’s going on in traffic.
- They have slower response times to sudden changes, such as someone stopping in front of them.
- They may nod off while driving, not seeing hazards or what other drivers are doing in time to avoid a crash.
- They may fail to mentally process lane shifts or road signs.
- They may be more aggressive, leading to cutting other drivers off or speeding as they rush to their destination.
Drowsy driving is a serious concern, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) supports an annual Drowsy Driving Prevention Week every September. Driving while sleepy carries some of the same dangers as driving while intoxicated, including loss of situational awareness, inability to safely operate a vehicle, and difficulty following traffic signals.
The National Sleep Foundation’s most recent study showed that drowsy driving accounts for as much as 21% of all fatal car accidents nationwide and 13% of those leading to hospitalization.
How daylight savings time affects your body and mind
Humans have a 24-hour cycle that governs their activity and sleep. When you disrupt this circadian rhythm by sleeping too little, you often feel physically run-down and mentally unfocused. Moving the clock forward so you lose an hour in the spring puts you at risk of personal injuries from a car accident when another driver is too sleepy to stay awake.
A report in the National Library of Medicine described the effect of sleep deprivation on commercial truck drivers. These professionals often experience impaired judgment and even physical coordination issues, especially if they have other medical conditions such as obesity, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular issues. Drivers who experience a health event while driving can hit you or cause you to hit another car.
Follow these steps to reduce the effect of Daylight Saving Time
To keep yourself alert after the time change, plan for extra rest and drive more cautiously. Try leaving early for your destination and slow down so you can watch for less careful drivers. If you can’t avoid driving while tired, try these tips to stay awake on the road:
- Drink coffee or another caffeinated beverage before or during your drive.
- Listen to energizing music at a higher volume.
- Open your windows for a burst of fresh air, since recirculated cabin air increases the amount of carbon dioxide you’re breathing.
- If you feel yourself getting sleepy or dozing off, pull over and take a nap at a rest stop or other safe location.
Staying safe on the road after Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time transitions can affect road safety, especially when drivers are fatigued or adjusting to disrupted sleep schedules. Staying alert and allowing extra time on the road can help reduce risks during these periods.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you understand your options. Call (561) 655-1990 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.