Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Slip-and-Fall, Work-related Injury
Every year, millions of Americans adjust their clocks to observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), but not many realize the potential impact this small time shift has on road safety. The change in time, particularly during the “spring forward” transition, can significantly increase the risk of car accidents. Studies show that fatal car crashes rise by as much as 6% in the days following the switch to DST. Understanding these risks can help you stay safe on the road during this period.
In this post, we’ll explore how DST affects car accident rates, why it happens, and what you can do to minimize the dangers.
Daylight Saving Time is the practice of moving clocks one hour forward in the spring and one hour back in the fall. This adjustment is designed to make better use of daylight during the longer summer days. While the idea sounds simple, it has far-reaching effects on our sleep, health, and road safety.
The concept of DST dates back to Benjamin Franklin in the late 1700s, but it wasn’t officially adopted in the United States until World War I. The goal was to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial light. It became permanent with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, standardizing the beginning and end of DST across the country.
Today, DST begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. The majority of states observe this time change, though Hawaii and Arizona are notable exceptions.
One of the most significant effects of the DST transition is the loss of an hour of sleep when we “spring forward” in March. This might not seem like a big deal, but sleep deprivation has a direct impact on driving performance. When you’re tired, your reaction times slow down, your attention drifts, and your ability to make quick decisions on the road diminishes. This can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
A study published by Current Biology found that the risk of fatal car accidents increases by 6% during the first week after the spring time change. This increase is linked to the disruption of the body’s natural sleep cycle, which leads to drowsy driving.
Interestingly, the study also found that drivers in the westernmost parts of time zones are more vulnerable. These areas experience longer periods of darkness in the mornings after the time change, making it harder for drivers to stay alert and focused. Even in the afternoons, when there’s more daylight, the lingering effects of sleep deprivation can make driving dangerous.
| Spring Forward | Fall back |
| +1 hour Sunday in March | -1 hour Sunday in November |
| Later sunrise, later sunset | Earlier sunrise, earlier sunset |
| Clocks “spring” ahead | Clocks “fall” back |
When clocks are set forward in the spring, we lose an hour of sleep. This loss has a cascading effect on our body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. The result? A higher chance of drowsy driving and, consequently, a rise in car accidents.
In the fall, when we gain an hour of sleep by setting clocks back, the immediate impact is less severe. However, there’s still a disruption in sleep patterns that can affect some drivers. The shorter daylight hours in the evening can also contribute to reduced visibility, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially in the early days after the change.
While both the spring and fall time changes affect drivers, the risk is highest during the first week after the clocks move forward in March. This is when drivers are most likely to be sleep-deprived and less attentive on the road.
The sudden change in sleep patterns doesn’t just affect driving. It can also lead to other health problems, such as an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, affects mood, and can even lead to accidents at work or home.
Research has shown that the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases in the days following the start of DST. Additionally, many people experience mood disturbances, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating, due to the disruption in their circadian rhythms.
Over time, the repeated shifts in sleep schedules caused by DST can have a lasting effect on the body’s internal clock. Some experts argue that these disruptions can lead to chronic sleep issues and other long-term health problems.
Not all states in the U.S. observe Daylight Saving Time. Hawaii and Arizona, for example, have opted out. This means residents in these states don’t experience the same risks associated with the bi-annual time change.
Drivers in the western parts of time zones are more affected by the time change because the mornings remain darker for longer. This extended period of darkness can lead to more accidents as drivers struggle with visibility and fatigue.
In recent years, there has been growing support for making Daylight Saving Time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act, passed by the Senate in 2021, aims to do just that. If this act becomes law, states could choose to observe DST year-round.
Although the idea has widespread support, any permanent change to DST would require federal approval. Some states, like Louisiana, have already passed laws that would allow for year-round DST if federal law permits it.
Many people favor the idea of doing away with the bi-annual clock changes. They argue that the benefits of more daylight in the evening are outweighed by the health and safety risks.
To minimize the impact of DST on your driving, consider these tips:
Daylight Saving Time may give us more daylight in the evening, but it also brings a sharp increase in car accident risks, particularly in the spring. By understanding the dangers of sleep deprivation and taking steps to adjust your schedule, you can stay safe on the road during this period.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident during Daylight Saving Time, the Charbonnet Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Stay safe and drive smart!
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
