Yes, car accidents tend to increase in the days following the spring Daylight Saving Time change. Losing an hour of sleep can disrupt your internal clocks and slow your reaction times. This can raise the risk of drowsy driving during morning commutes.
If you were injured in a crash shortly after the switch from standard time to Daylight Saving Time, a Lebanon, NH car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and whether another driver’s fatigue may have contributed to the accident.
Why does Daylight Saving Time increase the risk of car accidents?
Spring is known for renewal and reset, but the yearly time transition causes most people to lose an hour of sleep. Even a single hour of sleep loss can lead to sleep deprivation, especially for drivers who already struggle to get enough rest during the workweek. University of Colorado Boulder research found that fatal car accidents in the United States increase by about 6% in the week following the spring switch to Daylight Saving Time.
During this adjustment period, many New Hampshire drivers feel less alert, react more slowly, and struggle to stay focused behind the wheel. Early morning commutes on winding rural roads and busy routes into towns like Concord, Lebanon, or Manchester can become more dangerous as bleary-eyed drivers adapt to the time change.
Drowsy driving is unsafe driving. When drivers are tired, their ability to react to hazards, judge distance, and make quick decisions is reduced, increasing the risk of a car crash.
How does sleep deprivation affect driving after the time change?
The body relies on a circadian rhythm, or internal clock, to regulate sleep, alertness, and other essential functions. Daylight saving time transitions disrupt this rhythm by shifting sleep schedules earlier than the body expects.
When drivers lose sleep, the effects can linger beyond a single day. Ongoing sleep deprivation can impair judgment, slow reflexes, and increase the likelihood of brief lapses in attention. In some cases, drivers may experience microsleeps, which are short, involuntary moments of sleep that can occur without warning.
This disruption is especially noticeable during the first week after the springtime change, when many people are still adjusting their sleep schedules while continuing to meet early work and school start times.
Are mornings more dangerous after the switch to Daylight Saving Time?
For many drivers, mornings are the most challenging part of the Daylight Saving Time transition. Commutes may take place in darker conditions than usual, reducing visibility and increasing risks for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
At the same time, drivers may still feel groggy or unfocused due to changes in their sleep cycle. This combination of reduced visibility and fatigue can increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents during the days following the time change.
Can drowsy driving be considered negligence after a car accident?
In some situations, driving while overly fatigued may support a negligence claim. If a driver knew, or should have known, that they were too tired to drive safely, their decision to get behind the wheel could constitute contributory negligence in an accident.
While you cannot hold Daylight Saving Time itself responsible, you may be able to pursue a claim against a driver whose fatigue played a role in causing the crash. Proving fault often requires a close look at the circumstances of the accident, including driving behavior, timing, and available evidence.
What damages may be available after a Daylight Saving Time car crash?
If you were injured in a car accident involving a fatigued driver, you may be able to seek compensation for personal injuries and related losses. Depending on the facts of the case, this may include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering related to the crash
Insurance coverage and liability will depend on the details of the accident and the available car insurance policies.
How can a car accident lawyer help after a Daylight Saving Time crash?
Accidents that occur during Daylight Saving Time transitions can raise complex questions about fault and responsibility. A car accident lawyer can investigate whether sleep deprivation or drowsy driving contributed to the crash, gather evidence, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Shaheen & Gordon helps injured individuals understand their options after serious car accidents and navigate the claims process. If you were hurt in a crash during or after the Daylight Saving Time change, call (800) 451-1002 for a free consultation about your case.
