Search Site
Menu

With Daylight Savings Come An Increase In Auto Accidents

Next week (March 13, 2016) marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, as we move our clocks ahead one hour. This also means one less hour of sleep for most of us Saturday night. But did you know it could also mean more accidents for you on the road?

Some studies have shown that any disruption in sleep cycle (like changing the clocks ahead or back an hour) impacts alertness and feelings of tiredness. This means it can increase the prevalence or the danger of automobile accidents because people are not as aware or alert when they’re on the road.

Changing the time that the sun rises and falls by a whole hour when we change the clocks confuses our bodies, whether we are gaining or losing an hour, because the body’s natural sleep pattern and circadian rhythm is to be awake during daylight and asleep when it’s dark. Simply going from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in one night throws the body for a loop.

Help combat the effects with these easy steps:

  • Go to bed, and wake up at new times, 10-15 minutes earlier on the days leading up to Saturday’s changeover. This can help the transition to new sleep and wake times more gradual and easier than a one-day, full hour, switch. For instance, on Monday, if you normally get up at 7, set your clock for 6:45. Monday night, if you normally go to bed at 10:00, go to bed at 9:45. On Wednesday, change your morning alarm to 6:30, and your bedtime to 9:30. On Friday, set your alarm at 6:15, and bedtime at 9:15. Then, on Saturday, wake up at your “normal” time of 7:00, even though it will be like 6:00 to your body.
  • Make sure you get a lot of light and some sunshine during waking hours and limit the amount of bright light or sunlight let into your house during sleeping hours. This helps stop your internal clock from thinking it’s daytime in the middle of the night.
  • If you can, take a few extra minutes to get to and from work on Monday, so you don’t feel rushed or add to the feeling of discord your body may be experiencing because of the time difference.

As always, you want to be aware and alert behind the wheel, and those around you are hopefully doing the same. Studies have shown, though, that because of the effects of a time change, the prevalence of car accidents increases in the days after a switch while people adjust to the difference. Be careful when you are on the road, avoid avoidable injuries and if you are in an auto accident, be sure to know your rights and how you can be compensated for your injuries. Speak with an experienced Auto Injury Attorney today.

Contact us

Please fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

Quick Contact Form

Client Testimonials
  • "I had a slip and fall in a grocery store and injured my shoulder to the point of needing surgery to repair. The Law Firm made contact with them to make restitution on my behalf. After going back and forth… they awarded me a settlement for my pain and medical bills. The [Firm] were super easy to work with and I would definitely… use them again. I was and am very satisfied with the end result. THANK YOU!"  -Bob S.

  • "When I got hurt at work I didn’t know what I was going to do being a single mom of three. It was very scary and only weeks before Christmas to boot. I was referred to the Pagano Law Firm by my mom and it was the best decision. The Firm took me under their wing and assured me everything would be okay. They handled everything and kept me posted along the way. I am so happy to be back on my feet in more ways than one… my case was handled with such care and the end result was more than I expected. I would recommend the Pagano Law Firm to everyone I know!"  -Jill

  • "We reached out to the Pagano Law Firm after a serious car accident. At the time it was not clear the extent of the injuries and what it would take to make us whole. The Pagano Law Firm attorneys were diligent in the handling of the case and advocated for us not just as clients but as friends. They were considerate and professional throughout the two years it took to bring the case to a close. Ultimately, we were successful in reaching a resolution that surpassed our expectations. We are very grateful to Marlo… and would recommend the firm for any legal concerns."  -M.V.

  • "Excellent. Awesome – very efficient. Thanks for everything."  -J.H.

  • "The Pagano Law Firm put our minds at ease in a difficult situation for us. They made us feel like family & were there with answers to any questions. They made our experience in a difficult situation a good one. Very thankful for the Pagano Law Firm and everyone there. Highly Recommend."  -Richard R.

  • "he Pagano Law Firm was so understanding and supportive in helping with our unexpected situation. We were so grateful to be working with such caring, supportive people. Thank you for all your help and support."  -M.R.

Our Office
  • Media Office
    115 West State Street
    Suite 401
    Media, Pennsylvania 19063
    Phone: 484-442-8750
    Fax: 484-442-8742
Awards & Affiliations