How Daylight Savings Contributes to More Car Accidents

Daylight savings time has become a hotly debated topic. Many people feel as though it is an outdated ritual and would like to see it abolished. However, Florida plans to keep daylight savings time, at least for the time being. As such, it is important that people know how to adjust to it. A study conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder has shown that in the weeks following the change of the clocks, fatal car accidents increase throughout the entire country. So, what are the factors that contribute to the increase of these accidents, and how can drivers combat the negative impacts of daylight savings?

Why Daylight Savings Contributes to Accidents

Daylight savings contributes to more accidents on the road, both during the spring when clocks are set ahead one hour, and in the fall, when they are turned back. In the spring, people lose an hour of sleep and so, they get behind the wheel when they are more tired than usual. Most people do not change their schedules to account for the missed hour of sleep and so, they are more at risk for drowsy driving, which is a known cause of fatal accidents.

In the fall when the clocks are turned back one hour, people spend more time driving in the dark. In the morning, many people head off to work in the darkness of the morning, and it is already dark again during their drive home. The darkness, of course, interferes with visibility and makes it more difficult for drivers to see the road in front of them. Additionally, darkness also signals to the body that it is time to go to bed, which also makes them tired and less able to focus on the road.

Drivers are expected to drive in a safe manner at all times, even during the changing of the clocks. When they do not and drive while they are tired, they can be found negligent and therefore, liable for any injuries and losses they cause.

How to Counter the Effects of Daylight Savings

For the time being, there may not be a lot drivers can do about daylight savings time. However, there are ways to combat the effects felts and they are as follows:

• Always get plenty of sleep so darker skies will not make you feel as drowsy.
• Remain aware at all times when behind the wheel and understand that it is also more difficult for other motorists and pedestrians to see, as well.
• Have a mechanic look at your car to ensure the headlights, taillights, and all other parts of the car are in good working condition.
• Limit distractions in your vehicle, such as a loud radio or rowdy passengers so you can focus on the road.
• Use caffeine when possible to help keep you alert.

Following these tips may still mean you will have to adjust to daylight savings, but it will make it easier and potentially help you avoid a crash.

Call Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers when You are in an Accident

Knowing the preventative tips to follow can help avoid a crash during daylight savings but unfortunately, they are not always enough. If you have been in a crash, our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers at Eighmie Law Firm, P.A. can advise on your case. Call us today at (772) 905-8692 to learn about your options and how you can claim the compensation you need.

Resource:

cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)31678-1

https://www.eighmielawfirm.com/tbftl-crash-in-port-st-lucie/