Is Daylight Savings Time Dangerous for Drivers?

Daylight Savings Time (DST): people typically either love it or hate it. Starting in the spring, DST is a way for folks to get more light in the evening by turning their clocks ahead an hour. In the fall, DST ends and clocks are turned back an hour, causing it to get dark outside earlier.

Although many enjoy the extra hour of sleep they get when the clocks “fall back” in November, some argue that the change actually causes more harm than good. In fact, critics of the time change have even created petitions in order to stop DST from occurring. So far, though, their efforts have been futile as clocks are still changed twice a year.

How Daylight Savings Time Can Mean Danger to Drivers

Losing and gaining an hour of sleep every six months may not seem like a big deal, but researchers have proven that, in fact, it actually is and can cause a variety of health dangers that can put you at risk, including:

• Increased car accidents. Subtle changes in a person’s circadian rhythm, say from from losing or gaining even a little bit of sleep a few times a year, can alter alertness. If a driver isn’t fully focused and awake behind the wheel, he can cause a serious car accident, by either falling asleep behind the wheel or not reacting appropriately because of a lack of sleep, particularly if he is already prone to driving while drowsy.
• Increase in heart attacks. Changes in sleep patterns can also affect a person’s heart health. A lack of sleep can release stress hormones that cause inflammation, which can create serious problems for those who already have cardiac issues. Experiencing a sleep disturbance may cause so much damage that a heart attack occurs. Cardiac events are already dangerous, but when they happen to a person who is behind the wheel, severe dangers and fatalities can occur.
• Increase in workplace accidents.  Jobs that are more physical in nature can become increasingly dangerous during DST. The public is put at risk, however, when these occupations involve time behind the wheel.

Were You Injured in an Accident?

Accidents that occur because of Daylight Savings Time are often frustrating, particularly when they are caused by someone else’s negligence. Fortunately, you have rights and the Steinberg Injury Lawyers want to help you fight for them. If you were injured in the Los Angeles area, contact us today by calling 800-989-6385 to schedule your FREE case evaluation.