Daylight Saving Time Leads to Accidents
If you think setting the clock forward for daylight saving time will not influence your sleep, think again. The purpose of daylight saving time is to better use our daylight by taking an hour of it in the morning and moving it to the evening. Losing that one hour of sleep may not seem like a lot, but we as humans feel the difference. It has been proven that losing even a small amount of sleep alters our mental awareness, making it more likely to be in a car accident.
Link Between Daylight Saving Time and an Increase in Traffic Accidents
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Stanford analyzed 21 years of fatal car crash data from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. They wanted to find out what would happen if millions of drivers lost sleep. Their research found a small, yet significant increase in car accident deaths on the Monday after the spring clock shift.
Another study found that the spring clock change resulted in an average increase in traffic accidents by about eight percent in the six days following the time change. The study also proved that daylight saving time did not just influence car accidents. According to the study, there is also an increase in workplace injuries, as well as heart attacks.
How Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Drivers
It is not that driving on the Monday after the “spring forward” clock is a bad idea, but research shows that even small decreases in our sleep may take a toll on our bodies. There are about 30,000 car accidents in the United States each year and daylight saving time may be a factor in 30 road deaths a year. Feeling less alert and more tired while behind the wheel are some of the effects daylight saving time can have on a driver.
Preparing for the Spring Clock Change
In order to prepare for the Monday after the clocks move forward, you should try getting to bed early consistently a few nights before the clocks change. When driving, you should lessen distractions as much as possible. This is not limited to just daylight saving time. Driving requires most if not all your focus. Try not to eat or talk on the phone while driving. Doing these things may distract you from paying attention to the road. You may also want to consider getting your everyday tasks done a little earlier than usual.
Philadelphia Accident Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Represent Those Injured in Car Accidents
Although there is a slight increase in the number of car accidents after the spring clock change, thousands of accidents take place each year on a typical day. The Philadelphia accident lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. represent victims injured in a car accident no matter what time of the year it is. Our lawyers will fight hard to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call 888-999-1962 today. Our offices are located in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Pinehurst, North Carolina. We also serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and the surrounding area.