Ohio — As Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, many people will lose an hour of sleep. But according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), that lost hour can lead to more than just tiredness—it could increase risks on the road. With drowsy driving being a major concern, AAA is urging drivers to be extra cautious when they head out this week.
Dangers of Daylight Saving Time
When clocks spring forward, drivers lose an hour of sleep, which may not sound like much, but it can have a significant impact on road safety. The loss of even a single hour can make drivers drowsy and less alert, which leads to slower reaction times and impaired judgment. These effects could easily result in accidents, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in danger.
But it’s not just the sleep deprivation—there are other factors at play. The morning commute will also be much darker than drivers are used to, which can make visibility an issue. Kara Hitchens, a spokesperson for AAA in Ohio, explained, “The morning commute for several weeks to come will be much darker than what drivers have been used to in the last few weeks.” This added darkness makes it harder to see potential hazards, including pedestrians walking to school, who may be harder to spot in low light.
The Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports a concerning trend—nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 occurred during hours of darkness, up from 75% the year before. This highlights the added danger that comes with darker mornings during Daylight Saving Time, especially for children walking to school.
Drowsy Driving and Its Effects
Drowsy driving is often overlooked but is a serious issue. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that drowsy driving crashes are more common than official statistics suggest. This makes it even more important to address the problem, especially during the transition into Daylight Saving Time when many people are not getting enough sleep.
The dangers of drowsy driving are vast and can have several negative impacts on drivers:
- Reduced Alertness: When drivers are tired, they can’t react quickly to dangers on the road. Even just losing one hour of sleep can make a driver much more likely to crash because they won’t be as responsive to hazards.
- Impaired Judgment: Sleep deprivation can cause poor decision-making on the road. Drivers who are sleep-deprived may make mistakes that they would normally avoid. This is especially concerning, as those who miss more than four hours of sleep can experience a level of impairment similar to someone who has exceeded the legal alcohol limit (BAC over 0.08%).
- Microsleeps: A momentary lapse in consciousness, or a “microsleep,” is another danger for drowsy drivers. During these brief episodes, drivers can lose control of their vehicles, fail to respond to road conditions, and cause accidents.
How to Stay Safe During Daylight Saving Time
AAA offers several tips to help drivers stay safe on the road and avoid drowsy driving:
- Get Enough Sleep: Try to get at least seven hours of sleep the night before you drive. It’s essential to be well-rested, especially when your body is adjusting to the time change.
- Stick to Your Usual Schedule: If possible, travel during times when you are typically awake. Traveling at your usual hours will help you avoid the fatigue that comes with disrupting your sleep routine.
- Don’t Drive When Tired: If you’re feeling drowsy or fatigued, avoid driving. It’s always better to rest or find someone else to take the wheel than to risk your safety and the safety of others.
- Travel with an Alert Passenger: Having someone else in the car who is well-rested and alert can be helpful. If you start feeling drowsy, they can take over driving.
- Take Breaks: If you’re on a long trip and start to feel tired, stop and take a break. Stretch your legs, have a snack, or take a short nap to refresh yourself before continuing.
- Power Naps: A short nap—about 20 minutes—can work wonders to recharge you and improve alertness while driving. However, avoid naps that are too long, as they may make you feel groggy and less alert afterward.
A Final Reminder: Stay Alert and Be Safe
As Daylight Saving Time arrives, it’s essential to remember the risks involved with drowsy driving and the changes in road conditions. By following the tips above and being aware of the dangers, drivers can reduce their risk of accidents and help make the roads safer for everyone.
Remember, losing one hour of sleep may seem minor, but it can have a big impact on your ability to drive safely. Stay alert, get enough rest, and watch out for the extra dangers posed by the darker mornings.
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