Does Daylight Saving Time Cause More Car Accidents?

In the days following Daylight Saving Time changes, commuters are at higher risk for car accidents. Whether “springing forward” in March or “falling back” in November, morning and evening drivers must adjust for sleep disruptions and changes in visibility. Remember to prepare for the upcoming time change on Sunday, March 9, 2025, when clocks “spring forward” one hour.

Time changes leave our bodies tired, slowing reaction times and impairing judgments. The effects peak during the first week following a time change, turning routine commutes into riskier drives. Both rural and urban drivers and pedestrians face the hazards of drowsy driving, changed lighting and visibility.

Taking specific steps can help protect you and your loved ones during time changes. If you’ve been injured in a car accident during Daylight Saving Time transitions, Munley Law’s experienced car accident lawyers can explain your legal options. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How Daylight Saving Time Increases Motor Vehicle Crashes

The “spring forward” in March causes approximately 28 deaths per year, according to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder. Researchers found that the spike in fatal accidents shifted in 2007 when the time change shifted from April to March. In the first week after a time change, drivers may find themselves making unusual mistakes. Drivers relying on autopilot may tailgate, fail to check blind spots, or pay less attention to speed. Drowsiness and poor visibility are the two major factors in increased Daylight Saving Time car accidents.

Sleep Deprivation

Our internal body clocks, or circadian rhythms, take time to reset after DST changes. One extra hour gained or lost throws off natural sleeping patterns, resulting in drowsy driving and more driving mistakes. The spring forward change hits hardest, when a driver’s body has to function when it thinks it should still be asleep. The change hits some groups harder than others, including:

• Shift workers who already have unusual sleep schedules
• Students with early morning classes
• People with preexisting sleep conditions
• Parents getting their children to school on time

Decreased Visibility

The change in natural light after DST transitions means many people find themselves driving in darker conditions than they’re used to. When Daylight Savings Time begins, morning commuters face darker roads. When Daylight Savings Time ends, earlier sunsets affect evening drives. Lighting changes make it harder to spot pedestrians, read road signs, and judge distances accurately.

Older drivers may have more trouble adjusting to new lighting conditions. School buses and student drivers may also struggle with focusing on driving and paying attention for pedestrians.

DTS transitions generally coincide with seasonal weather changes that further impact visibility. The spring change occurs with wet weather and increased wildlife activity, while the fall change deals with earlier sunsets and fallen leaves. Recent research shows that, when Daylight Savings Time ends, deer and vehicle accidents increase by as much as 16 percent.

At Munley Law, our car accident lawyers are familiar with DST crashes. Reach out today and arrange your complimentary discussion regarding legal choices following your accident.

Driving Dangers After Daylight Saving Time Changes

During the morning commute, between 6 AM and 8 AM, drivers battle both fatigue and unfamiliar lighting after springing forward. A dawn commute may suddenly become a commute in the dark. Adapting usual routines while feeling sleepy can be difficult for drivers.

After falling back, many people find themselves driving home in darkness instead of twilight. Depth perception and reaction time is impacted, making intersections and crosswalks more dangerous. Drivers can no longer rely on daylight to spot hazards.

Both city and rural drivers must adapt to Daylight Savings changes. Car and pedestrian accidents can increase in urban areas due to lighting changes. Drivers contend with the glare from streetlights and headlights, while pedestrians can misjudge crossing times and their own visibility. On rural roads, drivers face stretches without streetlights.

Professional truck drivers face unique challenges during Daylight Saving Time transitions. The sudden shift disrupts their carefully regulated sleep schedules, potentially compromising alertness and reaction times during long hauls. For commercial drivers who must adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations, losing an hour can create logistical complications with delivery schedules and mandatory rest periods, requiring careful planning to maintain compliance and efficiency. This disruption can increase the risk of serious truck accidents, which are devastating due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Work zones can also be dangerous during DST transitions. Construction crews working during dawn or dusk hours must make sure they are visible. Drivers passing through work zones might struggle to spot workers or equipment, especially when the sun sits at an unfamiliar angle.

Drivers must be cautious in school zones, as well. Changes in lighting make it harder to spot children walking to school or waiting for the bus.

Preventing Daylight Savings Time Car Accidents

Everyone has a responsibility to increase safety during DST transitions. Drivers can take several small steps to ensure they are prepared for the challenges.

• • Clean your windshield, inside and out, to reduce glare

• Check you vehicle lights to ensure they work properly
• Adjust your mirrors to minimize glare from other vehicles’ lights
• Leave a few minutes early during the first week following DST
• Keep your dashboard lights at a comfortable level that doesn’t strain your eyes or reflect off your windshield

Ensuring you get adequate sleep is important in preventing all car accidents. One study found that missing even one or two hours of sleep nearly doubles the risk for a wreck. The best way to adjust to a time change is shifting your bedtime in 15-minute increments starting a few days before the change. You can also counter sleep deprivation by avoiding heavy meals and screentime before bed and by keeping the bedroom dark and cool. If you feel fatigued while driving, pull over in a safe location and take a short break or nap.

Most people rely on technology to help with these transitions. Safety features including automatic headlights, lane departure warnings, and collision alerts can be helpful, but they cannot replace an alert and focused driver.

Staying Safe During Daylight Saving Time

Time changes impact everyone on the road, from new drivers to experienced commuters. Sleep disruptions and changing light conditions create risks that persist for days after moving our clocks forward or back. States are allowed to keep standard time year round. However, federal approval is required to switch to permanent Daylight Saving Time, which accident analysis suggests reduces crashes. Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced several recent bills pushing for permanent Daylight Savings Time.

In the meantime, switching between standard time and DST causes more accidents throughout Pennsylvania. If you or your loved one are injured in a Daylight Savings Time vehicle crash, Munley Law can help. We’ve recovered  millions of dollars to help our clients pay medical bills and heal after the accident. Daylight Saving Time does affect driving conditions and increases accident risks. Our legal team will help you understand your rights and your legal options. Call Munley Law today for a free case evaluation.