Does daylight savings cause more car accidents?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - March 11, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Studies indicate a rise in the number of car accidents during the change to daylight savings time. Preparing for the change in time by being aware of others’ actions can help prevent daylight savings car accidents. Speak with a Chicago car accident lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates if you are injured in a car accident.
Are daylight savings and car accidents connected?
The connection between car accidents and daylight savings time results in more crashes and fatal accidents. According to research by the University of Colorado Boulder, deadly car crashes rose by 6% during the week following the implementation of daylight savings time.
How can you avoid daylight savings time car accidents?
Other drivers on the road are also likely to need help to adjust to the changes in time. Their lack of focus and drowsiness can make a bad situation worse. Take these steps and avoid these mistakes if you are involved in a car accident:
- Safely move your car to the side of the road if your injuries permit.
- Turn on flashers or use roadside flairs to notify other vehicles of your location.
- Call 911.
- Take photos or videos as lighting allows.
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver.
Why do car accidents increase after daylight savings begins?
Moving the clock forward for Chicago daylight savings puts many drivers on the road in the dark during early morning hours. The loss of an hour’s sleep, particularly during the first week of daylight savings in Chicago, may create the following challenges documented in a recent study, including:
- Sleep deprivation
- Reduced focus
- Drowsy driving
- Slower response times
- Impaired ability to process road hazards
The impaired driving reactions someone experiences during daylight savings time are similar to those of someone who drinks and drives, creating a hazard for everyone sharing the road.
Are there other concerns with daylight savings time and car accidents?
Studies documented by the National Library of Medicine also cite health conditions brought on by circadian misalignment during daylight savings time.
The body’s internal clock functions on 24-hour cycles, known as circadian rhythms, aligning naturally with day and night. A shift forward in time one hour can lead to a misalignment of the body’s natural patterns. A slight to moderate increase in the occurrence of myocardial infarction and stroke has been observed during this time change. The increased health-related emergencies may also contribute to additional car accident risks in Chicago.
Can you decrease the chances of daylight savings car accidents?
Expect other drivers to face similar challenges after the daylight savings time change. For the first week or two of the shift in time, apply these strategies to stay safe on the highway in Chicago:
- Get plenty of sleep to ensure you’re rested and alert.
- Leave for your destination 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself plenty of time.
- Don’t engage in or respond to aggressive driving by other sleep-deprived drivers.
- Pull over if you get sleepy. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
Investigating daylight savings car accidents to determine the cause of negligence is critical in recovering compensation for your injuries. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates recognizes the challenges that commuters and workers face during the initial days of daylight savings and will tirelessly work for you to seek financial compensation for your damages.
Schedule a free appointment by calling (800) 985-1819 or reach out online. Let us help you overcome the challenges of car accident injuries after daylight savings in Chicago.
