The concept of “spring forward, fall back” is familiar to Pennsylvanians. Moving the clocks back an hour in autumn happens every year and a great many people look forward to it as they will get an extra hour of sleep. However, there are dangers associated with it that people do not often consider. Researchers from AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education say that there are various factors that can result in a more dangerous landscape when on the road. People who are in a car crash should be cognizant of this.
Not only does the time change alter the vision of drivers as they might find themselves in the sun’s glare when driving, but the change in sleep patterns and darkness when driving home after work can result in drivers feeling more fatigued than normal and even falling asleep at the wheel. AAA says that drowsy driving can be a major problem after moving the clocks back.
In Pennsylvania, there were more than 2,600 accidents due to drowsy drivers in 2016. 25 of these were fatal. If a driver loses between one and two hours of sleep from the recommended seven in a 24-hour time frame, they are at double the danger of being in an accident. One out of five fatal crashes happens because of drowsy driving. The National Sleep Foundation says that people who are not getting enough sleep are believed to be responsible for more than 6,400 fatalities and 50,000 debilitating injuries on roads across the nation.
After Daylight Saving Time, the dangers when behind the wheel might be misunderstood or ignored. They do exist. People who are injured in a car accident could have substantial injuries leading to hefty medical bills, lost wages and lifelong problems. Filing a lawsuit for compensation can be essential to moving forward. A legal professional experienced in helping those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a wrongful death incident can be of assistance.
Source: pottsmerc.com, “AAA warns drivers to prepare for daylight saving commute on Monday,” Nov. 3, 2017