Daylight savings time shift may contribute to increased risks of drowsy driving accidents
Daylight Saving Time and Drowsy Driving: A Hidden Danger on U.S. Roads
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is about to begin, and it's important to be aware of its impact on drowsy driving. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, DST can negatively affect sleep patterns and increase drowsy driving incidents in the U.S.
As we lose approximately 40 minutes of sleep in the spring due to the DST transition, our bodies may struggle to adjust. This sleep loss can lead to decreased alertness, as suggested by sleep expert Michelle Anderson. Common tactics like rolling down the windows or blasting music do little to combat drowsiness.
The consequences of drowsy driving are significant. Studies show that it plays a role in more than 300,000 crashes annually, resulting in 109,000 injuries and economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Drowsy drivers often fail to take evasive action, leading to especially severe collisions.
In the spring, there is a significant increase in traffic accidents and crashes following DST transitions. Misaligned circadian rhythms impair the ability to stay awake and alert. After DST ends in the fall, while some get extra sleep, others still show increased daytime sleepiness and difficulty sleeping, which also raise fatigue risks.
To combat fatigue-related crashes, drivers can prioritize adequate sleep before and after DST transitions. It may take days or weeks to adjust, so planning restful nights is essential. Avoid driving if feeling drowsy and take breaks during long drives, especially right after clock changes. Maintaining good sleep hygiene year-round can also help build resilience against disruptions.
Recognizing symptoms of fatigue such as yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting from the lane, and difficulty focusing is crucial. Addressing these symptoms immediately, by resting or pulling over, can prevent accidents.
The National Road Safety Foundation, which has worked for more than six decades to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting safe driving habits, offers additional resources and information. A personal Sleep Diary is available for free at www.nrsf.org/resources/drowsy-driving. The organization also produces educational programs and public service campaigns addressing issues such as impaired and distracted driving, speed, aggression, and pedestrian safety.
Road safety experts urge drivers to remain vigilant due to the increased risk of fatigue-related crashes following the time change. At highway speeds, a vehicle can cover the length of a football field in the time it takes for a driver to blink off and on again, increasing the risk of accidents.
Michelle Anderson of the National Road Safety Foundation states that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Pairing a short nap with a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage can provide an extra boost, but it's important to allow about 30 minutes for the caffeine to take effect.
On any given day, more than 83 million sleep-deprived Americans take to the road. So, let's all be mindful of the risks associated with drowsy driving and take the necessary steps to ensure our safety and the safety of others on the road.
Science shows that the transition into Daylight Saving Time (DST) can negatively impact sleep patterns, contributing to increased instances of drowsy driving (sleep). To maintain health-and-wellness on U.S. roads, it's crucial for drivers to prioritize adequate sleep before and after DST transitions, as sleep deficiency significantly increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes (health-and-wellness).
