When the clocks “spring forward” in March, this can disorientate us. If we unintentionally oversleep, it could result in a chaotic morning rushing to get to work or school. And that can result in a car accident.
There are things you can do to minimize the impact of daylight saving time on your driving, such as:
Adjusting your sleep schedule ahead of time
Getting up a little earlier the day DST starts
Driving slower until your body adjusts to the new time
Finding ways to stay alert behind the wheel
Avoiding distractions while driving
What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
In the U.S., daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. In March, clocks "spring forward" forward by an hour. Then, in November, they "fall back" by an hour.
Not all states observe DST. Two states, Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), and five U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) do not observe daylight saving time.
How Can Daylight Savings Impact Your Driving?
When DST starts in the spring, those who don't live in Hawaii or Arizona lose an hour. If your alarm goes off at 6 a.m. that morning, despite what your clock says, it will feel like 5 a.m. to your body.
If you follow a regular sleep schedule, this change can throw off your natural circadian rhythm for a few days, resulting in sleep deprivation. You'll feel tired and drowsy, reducing alertness and increasing the risk of accidents.
A study by Current Biology analyzed over 700,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents over 20 years from 1996 to 2017. The data found that the risk of fatal car accidents increased by 6% the week after daylight saving time starts. The risk of fatal accidents is also higher in the morning and in locations further west that get light later in the morning.
Certain drivers are at greater risk for drowsy driving, and that risk increases when the clocks change. Long-haul commercial drivers who drive buses, tow trucks and tractor-trailers are more likely to drive drowsy. So are people who work night shifts or long hours.
On the plus side, it will be lighter earlier, which can improve visibility on the roads early in the morning and lower the risk of accidents. However, the downside is it will get dark earlier in the evening. With more drivers typically active in the evening than in the early morning, the abrupt change in the light level can make it a more dangerous time to drive.
How to Stay Safe When Driving in the Dark
While DST can throw us off for a bit, there are ways to prevent the likelihood of getting into an accident.
1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Ahead of DST
To help your body adapt to the change in time, gradually set your morning alarm a few minutes earlier in the days leading up to DST. For example, if you normally wake up at 6 a.m., you may want to begin waking up at 5:45, 5:30, and then 5:15. This way, by the time the clock changes, it won't be as big of a shock to your body.
2. Give Yourself Extra Time
If you know DST wreaks havoc with your morning routine every year, set your alarm earlier than usual so you have extra time to get ready before leaving for work. It's important to have time to enjoy your breakfast or coffee in the morning before you leave, as eating and drinking in the car can distract drivers.
3. Slow Down
If you run late in the morning when DST arrives, you'll be tempted to speed, and you may make other poor driving decisions. One way to prevent accidents in the first week of the time change is to simply drive slower, even if you’re running late.
Increase your following distance from the car in front and reduce your speed by about five miles per hour. This will give you a bit more space and time to react if circumstances on the road change suddenly.
4. Find Ways to Stay Alert
If you do feel slightly drowsy while driving, find ways to stay alert. Crank up the volume on your music, open a window to let some fresh air in, or talk to passengers.
You should also avoid substances that reduce alertness, such as alcohol and certain medications like antihistamines and cold and flu medicine.
5. Avoid Distractions While Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car crashes, and when your body clock is adjusting to the new time, you’re at a higher risk of an accident.
Activities that can distract you while driving are:
Using your cellphone
Using the radio or GPS
Turning around to respond to fussing kids or restless pets in the back seat
Reaching around the seat, floor, or in your purse to find an item
Eating, drinking, or smoking in the car
Engaging in road rage
Sharpen Your Defensive Driving Skills With Aceable
Defensive driving is always important, but more so in times of higher risk, like after DST. If you want to sharpen your skills behind the wheel, check out Aceable's 100% online defensive driving courses. Not only can it help you become a better driver, but it may also qualify you for an insurance discount or a traffic ticket dismissal.
Updated 10/24/2024