themvp logo
Call for a Free Case Evaluation, Available 24/7
(833) MVP-WINS
Daylight savings to blame for an increase in car crashes

Daylight savings to blame for an increase in car crashes

 

Daylight savings time has approached once again, and here we are, after losing another hour of sleep on Sunday. For a few years now, it has unanimously been agreed upon that daylight savings is detrimental to our health. Studies have correlated the annual spring-forward with an 18 percent spike in medical mistakes, a 24 percent increase in heart attacks, and a six percent increase in car crashes. That’s right–daylight savings time poses a major threat to drivers.

What Makes Daylight Savings a Threat?

According to a January 2020 study published by Current Biology, the darker mornings paired with the drowsiness that drivers experience shortly following the hour spring-forward make for a sudden rise in car accidents. The study looked at 732,000 fatal crashes, which showed a 6% increase in fatal accidents in the U.S. shortly following daylight savings. The largest increase was seen during the early morning hours directly following the time change, and returned to standard levels after about a week.

Increase in Drowsy Driving

The study shows that while the darker morning commute contributes to increased accidents following daylight savings, the main concern is drowsiness. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the percentage of crashes involving drowsy drivers is likely higher than what has been estimated. A 2022 study released by the agency shows that 16% to 21% of all fatal crashes are triggered by sleep-deprivation.

An AAA press release reports, “crashes caused by drowsy driving tend to be severe because the driver may not attempt to brake or swerve to avoid a collision, so the resulting impact occurs at a high rate of speed. A drowsy driver may also be startled and lose control of the vehicle.”

A separate 2018 AAA survey showed that although 96% of drivers consider drowsy driving an unacceptable behavior, 29% reported that they had a hard time staying awake while driving over the last month. The sleep pattern disruption caused by daylight savings is likely to only worsen the problem. There are several tips that drivers can utilize to reduce drowsy driving with the time change.

Minimize Distractions

The time change is likely to increase hunger in some people. However, eating or drinking while driving can double as a distraction from the roads. It is smart to wait until you have arrived at your destination before eating or drinking, as simply reaching into a container or taking a sip can divert your attention away from the roads and suddenly cause an accident. It's more important than ever to ensure your attention is solely focused on the road during days shortly following daylight savings. Additional tips for drivers following daylight savings include avoiding heavy foods before driving, avoid medications that cause drowsiness, and implementing breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles for longer road trips.

Drowsy Driving: What to Look Out For

There are several noticeable warning signs that indicate you should pull over and take a break while driving. Common signs of drowsy driving include drifting out of your lane and difficulty keeping your eyes open.

Have you been a victim of a drowsy driving related incident? MVP is here to help!

Drowsy drivers need to be held accountable following any accidents they have caused. Drowsy driving crashes tend to be severe because the driver may not act quickly to avoid a collision, causing accidents at higher speeds and impact. Don’t accept the negligence of drowsy driving without exploring the financial compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

Author

brett sachs2
Brett Sachs
Founder

Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.

stars large
5.0 rating of 289 reviews

Top-Rated Lawyers

Last year I had an accident and my car was totaled. I was very upset and didn't know what to do. A friend told me to call MVP and it was the best decision ever. They got my car paid off very fast, set me up with a doctor, and just last week I got a fat check for my pain and suffering. Thank you MVP!
lizbhett rodriguez
Lizbhett Rodriguez
stars
MVP Accident Attorneys was the best decision ever made. They helped me through the process and made it stress free for me. It was first accident and i was super stressed because i didn’t know what to do. I called MVP and was treated so kindly by amazing people who went over my accident with me and any questions i had. They have a whole team! I was then helped by attorney and case managers who set me up with treatment so I can get all patched up. Finally, the liens department took care of all my bills and made sure i had nothing to worry about. 11/10 would recommend them to family and friends! You cannot go wrong with MVP
generic user
Jason Acosta
stars
sidebar image

When You’ve Been Injured

check orange
We Are Available To You 24/7
check orange
All Initial Consultations Are Free
check orange
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win Your Case
check orange
We’ve Recovered Millions Of Dollars For Our Clients
check orange
We Are Highly Experienced And Have Handled Thousands Of Cases
check orange
We Take A Modern Approach To
Personal Injury Law
check orange
We Know How To Maximize Your Results
FREE CONSULTATION
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.




    fbtwitterinstagramlinkedin
    The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
    Contact Us
    Irvine, California
    Phone - (949) 944-1000
    Fax - (949) 944-1111
    4 Park Plaza ste 850, Irvine, CA 92614, United States
    Los Angeles
    Phone - 213-863-5003
    Fax - 213-863-5883
    Address - 145 S Spring St #850, Los Angeles, CA 90012
    Sacramento
    Phone - (916)-980-8000
    Fax - (916)-980-8888
    Address - 1201 J St ste 200, Suite 335, Sacramento, CA 95814
    Email Address
    Toll Free:
    (833) 687-9467
    © 2023 MVP Accident Attorneys. All rights reserved.
    © 2023 MVP Accident The information contained on this website is intended to introduce prospective clients to MVP Accident Attorneys, and is not to be considered a legal opinion or an offer to represent you. This website is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. Emails sent to MVP Accident Attorneys using any of their email addresses, through the use of this website, would not be confidential and would not create an attorney-client relationship.. All rights reserved.
    Send a Message
    Call Now