Is Daylight Savings Dangerous for Drivers?

May 04,2018

During the times of year when we “spring forward” and “fall back,” there is always a lot of talk about whether Daylight Savings time is necessary. But could it actually be unsafe?

Many people do not know why we have Daylight Savings, and the debate is constantly ongoing. Does it save electricity and encourage people to exercise? Is it safe?

A study from the University of Colorado-Boulder reviewed national data on all fatal car crashes from 2002-2011. Researchers found that fatal crashes increased by 6% on the 6th day immediately following the spring transition. Fatal crashes did not change after the fall transition. The 6% increase in the spring amounted to more than 300 added deaths over the 10-year period of the study, entitled “Lost Sleep and Drowsy Drivers.”

Research from the AAA Conditions for Traffic Safety has shown that at least 1 in 5 fatal crashes involved driver fatigue. One-third of crashes involving drowsy drivers result in injuries, and more than 6,000 fatigue-related crashes each year result in at least one fatality for each crash.

Fatigued Driving Warning Signs

Just about everybody agrees that you should not drive when you are very tired, but just about everybody has done it. Here are 3 important warning signs of fatigued driver you should not ignore:

Drifting out of your lane and hitting the wake-up strips
Repeated yawning
Inability to recall the last few miles

Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Be extra cautious during the six days immediately following the spring ahead daylight savings transition.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.