Daylight Savings Time & The Difference an Hour Makes

Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 6. Many of us look forward to this time of year and are welcome to the idea of gaining an extra hour of sleep. It may seem like Daylight Savings only affects our sleep schedule and the sun going down earlier, but studies have shown there’s more to it than that. 

Studies have shown a direct correlation between the time shift and motor vehicle crashes. In March, we lose an hour of sleep. Our sleeping patterns are disrupted, leading to many drowsy drivers getting on the road for their daily commute. Though we gain an hour of sleep come November, there are still legitimate risks that come with it.  

Daylight Savings Time ending means it gets dark outside earlier, which limits visibility during our typical afternoon or evening commute home. This increases the risk that drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians will be involved in an accident. 

With the added hour of sleep on Sunday, there is an increase in fatalities involving drinking and driving. Researchers believe that people stay up later on Saturday because they know they’ll “gain an hour” and will engage in late-night alcohol-related activities. People not only drink and drive, but those who are sleep deprived are more likely to be involved in an accident the next day due to drowsiness. When compared to other Sundays, the Sunday following the end of Daylight Savings Time has a higher number of traffic accidents. This points to an increase in late-night/early-Sunday morning driving when traffic fatalities are high, possibly due to alcohol consumption and driving while drowsy. 

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).