We’re all familiar with the bi-yearly ritual of moving the time on our clocks forward and back for daylight saving time. It’s not too bad in November when you get an extra hour of sleep.
However, March’s time change takes that extra hour of sleep away. We all begin the week feeling tired and worn out, but does that one hour affect public safety?
Our body’s circadian rhythm
We all have an internal clock that represents a natural, 24-hour cycle. It regulates multiple essential functions, such as sleep, energy levels, hormone production and digestion. Throughout the day, it determines when you are the most awake and alert, and when to increase melatonin production to help you sleep. Disruptions to your circadian rhythm upset the balance and impact your well-being.
Daylight saving time (DST) is a big disrupter because it shortens your sleep time and leaves your body feeling out of sync with the new clock time. This can lead to fatigue, slower reaction times and difficulty focusing until your rhythm adjusts to the new cycle.
The transition period has significant effects on road safety. The combination of drowsiness and dark roads in the morning contributes to an increase in accidents. During the week following the “spring forward” time change, there is a 6% increase in fatal car accidents. Drowsy driving is a factor in approximately 100,000 crashes in the United States each year. DST exacerbates the problem.
You can begin preparing for the transition and take steps to minimize the risks associated with DST. A few days before the springtime shift to “spring forward”, try going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night and prioritize getting enough sleep.
It’s important to remember that you’re not the only one adjusting to the time change. Other drivers are likely to be tired and less alert. Maintain a safe following distance and watch for erratic driving behavior. If you are in an accident with a drowsy driver, it’s crucial to reach out to someone who can help you get compensation for your injuries.
