Every year when Daylight Savings Time (DST) ends and clocks fall back, many people look forward to getting an extra hour of sleep. But this time change can bring real risks, especially for drivers and pedestrians. Studies show that the “fall back” switch often leads to more accidents on the road and at work. This happens because the shift changes our body clocks and reduces daylight in the afternoons and evenings.
How Daylight Savings Time Affects Driving Safety
When we turn the clocks back in the fall, it gets darker earlier in the day. This means more people are driving in low light or darkness, which makes it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. The reduced visibility raises the chances of crashes.
Besides less daylight, the time change also messes with people’s sleep schedules. Even though the clocks give us an extra hour, our bodies take time to adjust. This causes sleep deprivation for many people. Driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk because it slows reaction times and reduces attention on the road.
Research Shows a Spike in Accidents After the Time Change
Multiple studies have shown the dangers of Daylight Savings Time shifts:
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A University of Colorado study found that over a 10-year period, about 302 deaths could be linked to the time change each year. These were mostly caused by traffic crashes and workplace injuries.
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Another study pointed out that if we kept an extra hour of evening sunlight year-round, it could save more than 170 pedestrian lives and nearly 200 vehicle occupants every year.
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Research from Stanford and Johns Hopkins universities showed that fatal car accidents jumped from 78 to nearly 84 on the Monday right after the spring time change.
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A Canadian study reported an 8% increase in all types of traffic crashes following the spring switch.
These findings show that the risk of accidents goes up for about a week after changing the clocks. Sleep loss and driving in the dark combine to make early morning and evening commutes more dangerous.
Why Our Body Clocks Matter
Our bodies follow a natural rhythm called the circadian rhythm, which tells us when to sleep and wake. Changing the clock disrupts this rhythm. People feel tired, less alert, and less able to focus during their normal work and driving hours. This is especially true for people who drive to work early in the morning when it may still be dark outside after the time change.
The risk also varies by where you live in your time zone. People on the western edge of their time zone get less morning sunlight, which means they tend to sleep less and feel more tired. This can add to the dangers on the road during the time switch.
What Can Be Done About It?
Because of the accident risks linked to Daylight Savings Time, many people are calling for the end of clock changes. Some experts suggest keeping permanent standard time to avoid disrupting our body clocks twice a year. Permanent standard time could also reduce driving in the dark, making roads safer for everyone.
For now, it’s important to be extra careful when the clocks change. Giving yourself extra time to adjust by going to bed earlier before the time switch can help. Being aware of lower light levels and slower reaction times can also prevent accidents.
Take Action If You’ve Been Hurt
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that might have happened due to the risks around Daylight Savings Time, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer. Understanding your rights and options can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Call (732) 229-3200 to speak with an NJ auto accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. Getting help early can make a big difference in your recovery and case.