At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, clocks will roll back one hour as daylight saving time ends. For many people, that extra hour of sleep is a welcome addition to their weekend. But data shows that moving the clocks back one hour and the subsequent earlier sunset can result in increased risks for drivers.
Studies have shown that the end of daylight saving time can lead to more crashes because of:
- Less visibility in the evening. Days gradually get shorter every day after the summer solstice, and they continue to shorten until the winter solstice. When daylight saving time ends, sunset occurs much earlier than it does in the summer, which means it’s darker earlier in the evening. Drivers may have trouble adjusting to the decreased visibility, especially on the first workday after the clocks change.
- Anticipatory behaviors. Both sleep loss and an increase in alcohol consumption are associated with the clocks changing. Researchers believe that this phenomenon is due to people anticipating the change in time and altering their behaviors, causing them to stay out later than they’re used to or be more likely to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
If you were injured in a car crash that was caused by a negligent driver, the Alabama auto accident attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers want to help.
The end of daylight saving time is just one of many risks that drivers face on the state’s highways and interstates. Having an experienced law firm that knows how to collect evidence and build a strong claim, regardless of the cause of the accident, can be vital for your family’s future. Call today for a free consultation.
