Daylight Saving Time and Driving: How to Stay Alert and Avoid Accidents
When Daylight Saving Time ends, we get an extra hour of sleep, which is nice. However, this abrupt change in our schedules can affect how alert drivers are, making the roads less safe for everyone.
The darker evenings and our bodies adjusting to the new time can make us more tired and slow down our reactions, which can increase the chances of accidents.
Research shows that car accidents often increase after the DST changes because of disrupted sleep. It’s important to be aware of these dangers and take care while driving. Fatigue can cause crashes! This leads to legal problems if there are injuries or any property damage occurs.
How Daylight Saving Time impacts drivers
DST changes can throw off your body’s internal clock, making you feel sleepy and react more slowly, especially in the first few days after the change. The different light patterns—darker evenings and brighter mornings—can also make it harder to see people walking, biking, and other cars clearly.
Here are some common issues drivers might face because of Daylight Saving Time:
Tiredness
The time change can mess with your sleep, leaving you feeling worn out, especially during evening drives. It’s just like being jet-lagged.
Poor visibility
With the sun setting earlier, it gets darker while people are commuting home from work. This increases the chance of an accident happening, as it’s harder to see at dusk.
Sun glare
Mornings might feel much brighter than you are used to. The glare from the sun off the backs of other cars can be a problem for drivers in the morning, causing accidents.
Tips for staying safe on the road during Daylight Saving Time
Here are some simple tips to help you stay alert on the road:
Get plenty of sleep
Research suggests that 7-8 hours of sleep is the perfect amount. Being well-rested can help you avoid tiredness while driving. To help, start adjusting your daily schedule a few days before the time changes. Gradually waking up and going to bed earlier can help your body get used to the new time without any big shocks.
Watch out for walkers and bikers
With it getting darker earlier, it can be hard to see people walking or riding bikes. Make it a habit to actively slow down in neighborhoods and near crosswalks during this time of year, just in case.
Turn on your headlights
Even if it’s not completely dark, use your headlights during twilight or dusk to help you and other drivers see better. It’s better to have them on too early than not at all.
Be ready for sun glare
In the mornings, the sun may shine directly in your eyes as it rises. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy and make sure your windshield is clean to help reduce glare.
What to do if you’ve been hurt in a fatigue-related car accident
These are the steps to take if you’re injured in a fatigue-related car accident:
Take pictures
Capture images and videos of the accident scene, the road conditions, and any damage to your car. This can help with the insurance report. If you are able, take these images from multiple angles, up close, etc.
Call the authorities
It’s important to have an official report about the accident. Some insurance companies might require this document and you might not get too far without one. If someone is really hurt, call 911 for accidents you are involved in or witness. For non-emergencies, you can dial 311.
See a doctor
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s a good idea to get a medical check-up because some injuries might not show up right away.
Talk to a lawyer
An experienced lawyer like the McCready Law team can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Legal implications of fatigued driving
Tired driving is hazardous as falling asleep or being distracted by bright lights can lead to accidents. All motorists are legally required to drive safely. Those responsible for accidents can be held accountable for injuries and damages.