Daylight Saving Time Can Increase Your Risk of an Auto Accident

by admin@gotechark.com | October 9th, 2017

The time to set your clocks back one hour is rapidly approaching. At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, daylight saving time will end. That means you’ll need to roll back your clock one hour. And while the extra hour of sleep may leave you feeling more rested on Monday morning, your chances of being involved in an auto accident can increase.

Experts believe this phenomenon occurs for a few reasons:

  • Loss of light – While the end of daylight saving time means more light in the morning, it also means less light during the evening commute home—and low visibility is a major risk factor for car accidents.
  • Drunk driving – People’s behavior is noted to change when they’re anticipating a time change due to the beginning or ending of daylight saving time. That can result in increased alcohol consumption and intoxicated driving.
  • Less attentive driving – Gaining an hour can make drivers less cautious behind the wheel. Their biological clocks are still operating as though it’s daylight, but visibility on the road is much lower.

Before daylight saving time ends this year, make sure that your loved ones understand the risks associated with the shift in daylight and the earlier sunset.

If you or someone you love was hurt in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver, the Norfolk auto accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are here to help. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.