The Dangers of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time (DST), which will occur on March 8, 2020 at 2.a.m., has recently been linked to fatal car accidents. Studies have shown that there is an increase in fatal car accidents in the several days that follow the time change. The controversial time change has shown that it has many adverse effects on humans and increases dangerous drowsy driving, so drivers should start to prepare for the upcoming time shift.

Increase in Fatal Car Wrecks

A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that the annual switch to DST is associated with a six percent increase in fatal car crashes during that week. The study looked at 732,000 accidents over a two-decade timespan and found that the rise in fatal accidents in the week following the spring time change was consistent.

When clocks shift forward by one hour, we lose that hour of sleep and people start their daily commutes in darkness. The University of Colorado researchers estimated that there were 627 fatalities from car accidents during the time period of the study, which was 1996 to 2017. They noted that this figure does not include other accidents, thus underestimating the risk to the public when the clocks are changed.

Drive Defensively During the Week Following Daylight Saving Time

Researchers stated that drivers are more at risk of a car accident during the morning hours after DST. Drivers should be aware that others on the road might be less alert as they adapt to the darkness of the early morning hours. Therefore, it is crucial to take extra caution while entering intersections, merging on highways, and making lane changes. Remember to look carefully for pedestrians, who may be less visible and who are suffering from the time change as well.

Compensation in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia follows the strict principles of contributory negligence and no-fault insurance. Contributory negligence means that if you were partly at fault for the accident, even minimally, you cannot collect damages from the other driver.

No-fault insurance refers to the fact that you must first file a claim for your injuries with your own insurance before you can file a claim against the other driver; this only applies to personal injuries and not property damage. You may seek compensation for property damage from the other driver’s insurance. For further details about policies in Washington, D.C., contact a qualified car accident lawyer.

Washington, D.C. Car Wreck Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Fight for Victims Injured in Drowsy Driving Accidents

If you were injured in a car wreck that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be eligible to collect damages. Our skilled Washington, D.C. car wreck lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King will investigate the circumstances on your behalf and will fight to hold the responsible party accountable. Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous, so all drivers should be extra cautious when DST arrives. Contact us online or call us at 202-331-1963 to schedule a free consultation about your case. Located in Washington, D.C., we also serve clients throughout Maryland.