Take in the sunlight while you can, as the end of daylight saving time (DST) is coming up on Sunday, Nov. 6. The clocks will be set back an hour, giving everyone an extra hour of rest. However, studies show that an increase in car accidents happens during the fall months as the clocks “fall back.”
Dark comes an hour earlier daily, limiting visibility during the busy afternoon and evening commute. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are at a higher risk of being in a car crash as the evening hours emerge. According to a study from Carnegie Mellon University, pedestrians are three times as likely to get hit by a car after DST ends. In addition, according to the AAA, the most dangerous hour is from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Driving while tired and drunk driving are among the main causes of severe accidents in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the day after the DST change is one of the most dangerous days to drive, as more accidents happen in those 24 hours as DST ends. Not only are sleep cycles interrupted, but also researchers suggest that people may adjust their behavior because they know they are getting an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning. For example, individuals may stay up later on Saturday night or have a drink, thinking they can make up for it with an extra hour of sleep. Unfortunately, that means that more motorists are driving later at night. With these scenarios in mind, more drivers are likely to drive while feeling tired or under the influence of alcohol.
Less afternoon sunlight when DST ends also increases the likelihood of traffic accidents. This disruption to the body’s internal clock and light changes while driving to and from work increases the risk of dangerous driving.
How to Avoid a Car Accident Following the End of DST?
To decrease the chances of getting into a car accident following the end of DST, you should take better care of yourself to reduce its effects on your body. Some helpful tips include:
- Get more sleep.You should not stay up late on the night of the fall change as you cannot make up sleep.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time. Maintain consistent sleeping habits year-round to combat the feelings of sluggishness that accompany a time change.
- Pay careful attention to the days ending You will need to pay close attention to the road for children, bicyclists, other pedestrians, and wildlife as you adjust to the autumn switch.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Represent Clients Who Have Been Injured in Car Accidents After the Time Change
If you become injured in a car accident after the end of DST, speak with one of our experienced Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm today. Our legal team is available with the knowledge and resources to help you. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online. We are located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.