One out of every three adults in the United States does not get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Daylight saving time can further interfere with sleep as people get out of their routine because of adjusted clocks. This sleep deprivation can lead to drowsy driving and more crashes.
Daylight Saving Overview
Daylight saving time (DST) is observed in certain parts of the United States. It was officially implemented in 1966 as part of the Uniform Time Act to save energy by providing more daylight in the evening hours. States that observe DST “spring forward” clocks by one hour on the second Sunday in March and “fall back” to standard time on the first Sunday in November. Some opponents question the degree of energy savings. Others have drawn a correlation between DST and negative health impacts, including more car crashes and workplace accidents that follow a time change.
Fatal Car Accidents Spike When Daylight Saving Happens
Fatal car accidents spike by almost 6 percent in the week following daylight saving time, according to research from the University of Colorado and published in the journal Current Biology. Researchers reviewed nearly 750,000 car accidents recorded through the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System over a 22 year period and found a staggering increase in the number of traffic fatalities in the days following DST. Because the days when DST are observed have changed over the years, the researchers’ theory has more credence since they found a further increase following this change.
Causes of Car Accidents During Daylight Saving
Researchers believe that car accidents are more likely to occur when time shifts because the sudden change in the clock can disrupt people’s sleep patterns. This change causes a decrease in total sleep time and reduced quality of sleep. This can ultimately result in a reduction in daytime alertness. Drivers may feel drowsy behind the wheel.
Drowsy driving mimics symptoms similar to drunk driving, including:
- Delayed processing time
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulty paying attention and properly assessing potential hazards
Additionally, DST can lead to people oversleeping, which can cause additional accidents from speeding or distracted driving.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
A car accident attorney can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident and identifying all potentially liable parties
- Gathering and preserving evidence of drowsy driving, including vehicle data, medical records, and witness testimony
- Assessing the full extent of damages you suffered
- Making a demand for full and fair compensation
- Advising you of your legal rights and options throughout the case
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in an accident you suspect involved drowsy driving, an experienced car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan can help. We can investigate the case and gather evidence to establish how drowsy driving caused the crash. We will help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to discuss your legal rights and obligations during a free consultation.