Time Changes Increase Risks Of Drowsy Driving Car Accidents In Bradenton

Each spring, all but two states (Hawaii and Arizona) ‘spring forward’ and set our clocks an hour ahead for Daylight Saving Time. In recent years, there has been increasing controversy over the practice and the possible negative impacts that can result.

Time changes have the potential to jeopardize public health and safety. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer explains more about the hazards and how they increase the risk of drowsy driving-related crashes.

The Impact Time Changes Have On Your Health and Safety

Time changes were originally created to conserve energy. By setting clocks ahead an hour in the spring, we take advantage of naturally increasing daylight during summer. Daylight Saving Time is in effect from mid-March until early November, which is when the seasons change, the days get shorter, and we set our clocks back again.

USA Today reports that Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio are pushing a bill to enable Daylight Savings Time year-round. One of the main reasons for the Sunshine Protection Act is the potential impact time changes can have on the body.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, they disrupt natural circadian rhythms, causing an increase in inflammation. It can also cause an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies. Spring time changes are particularly dangerous. Getting an hour less sleep may not seem like much, but it can impact your sleep schedule for weeks after. This can cause impairments that increase car accident risks, such as:

• Poor judgment;
• Lack of bodily coordination;
• Vision disturbances;
• Decreased reaction times;
• Increased risk of distraction.

How To Reduce The Risks Of Drowsy Driving Car Accidents In Bradenton

Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show that close to 6,000 car accidents in Manatee County happen each year. Drowsy driving is a common contributing factor and tends to increase in the weeks after spring time changes go into effect.

To reduce the risks, make getting eight hours of sleep per night a top priority. If you are having trouble adapting to recent time changes and are currently running on a sleep deficit, follow these tips:

• Visit your doctor if you have trouble with insomnia, sleep apnea, or other health-related sleep issues;
• As part of your self-care, make a sleep schedule that allows you the recommended eight hours and follow it as closely as possible;
• Use your bedroom for sleep rather than for working or watching television;
• Stop looking at your phone an hour before going to bed and read a book, make a cup of tea, or engage in some other relaxing activity instead.

Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Drowsy driving can dramatically increase the risk of car accidents in Bradenton. The Law Office of Steven G. Lavely provides the trusted, local legal service you need in seeking compensation. To discuss your rights in filing a claim, contact our office and request a consultation with our Bradenton car accident lawyer today.

Sources:

usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/09/permanent-daylight-saving-time-sunshine-protection-act/72909874007/

publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/7-things-to-know-about-daylight-saving-time

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf