Daylight Saving Time occurs on this Sunday, March 10th, which means an hour jump in time to account for the extra hour of daylight at the end of the day. However, while we inch closer towards warmer weather, we lose an hour of sleep. The time change and loss of sleep can greatly affect our mental and physical states, so stay alert and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Possible Driving Dangers
There is a 15% increase in accidents during “spring forward” and an increase in workplace injuries. There are multiple factors from daylight savings that may negatively impact your driving, and this doesn’t just apply to your commute to work. People who operate heavy machinery, equipment, or power tools, or drive any vehicles for their work like tow trucks, planes, buses, taxis, etc., must be extra cautious of the time change due to factors like:
- Sleep/Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Losing an hour of sleep may not seem like a lot, but it can have drastic effects on your mental and physical health.
- Reduced cognitive function
- Reduced reaction time
- Reduced mental health
- Mood changes
- Bodily function disruptions: hormones, metabolism, immune system
- Rushed Mornings: May lead to speeding, especially if trying to make up for the lost hour on the road.
- Reduced Visibility: the increase in daylight may be blinding to drivers at certain times in the morning. You might want to bring your sunglasses!
Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
- Set your clocks back early and adjust to the time change: setting the clocks back the day before allows your body to adjust to the change physically and mentally, without the shock of waking up one hour too late.
- Go to sleep early the nights leading up to it: Try to get the same amount of sleep as usual by going to sleep at least one hour earlier the night before, and, if possible, sleep early on the days leading up to it. Otherwise, you may be drowsy or rushed in the morning.
- Give yourself extra time in the morning: If you have a big day on Monday, try to prepare meals and outfits in advance so that the lost hour doesn’t lead you to feel rushed.
- Don’t speed: Even if you are running behind because of the time change, DO NOT speed. It is better to get to work safely and a little late than never at all.
- Don’t drive drowsy or distracted: While it may be tempting to finish getting ready while driving, it is important to stay alert at the wheel, especially on the day where other people on the road might not be as alert.
- Drive defensively: Prepare for groggy drivers that might affect your safety on the road. Keep a safe distance between you and other cars.