The spring season is fast approaching when the weather gets a bit warmer and nicer. We also spend a few more hours in the sun because of the change to daylight saving time, when the clocks are pushed up an hour. Introduced originally during the days of World War I, daylight saving time was used to save energy in our communities. However, it has become a hotly debated topic, with many states finding that daylight saving time may be doing more harm than good.
The one-hour time shift has caused all sorts of problems to many internal clocks, leading to workplace injuries and even strokes. Now, a study by the University of Colorado revealed that daylight saving time is causing trouble for drivers as well; fatal car accidents increase by over six percent during the week following the beginning of daylight saving time.
The lost hour does a lot more harm than one might realize; our circadian rhythm, otherwise known as our internal body clock, is thrown off cycle with the hour shift, causing fatigue and drowsiness. The fatal accidents can also be attributed to the darker morning commute, as many of the collisions in the study occurred in the morning.
Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, and daylight saving time seemingly makes it worse. In fact, drowsy driving causes over 13 percent of all car accidents in the country. Furthermore, the National Sleep Foundation found that over 50 percent of all adult drivers admit to driving drowsy at one point in their driving career.
To combat the ill effects of daylight saving time, here are a few suggestions to keep safe when the clocks change:
Many experts state that drowsy driving is the equivalent of drunk driving, as they both share the same characteristics. They both adversely affect your ability to judge distances, make quick decisions, and ultimately lose the ability to drive safely.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy or negligent driver, reach out to the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our skilled legal team will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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