5 Reasons for End of Daylight Saving Time Accidents
Daylight saving time ends on November 5, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Although more accidents tend to happen at the start of daylight saving time (DST) than the end, the return to standard time poses specific dangers that can lead to a number of accidents. To help you and your family avoid these accidents, the personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group share five reasons why end of daylight saving time accidents happen.
Five Causes of End of Daylight Saving Time Accidents
Adjusting to the end of daylight saving time and the start of standard time leads to an increase in:
- Car wrecks
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- And other accident injuries
Five reasons for the increase in accident injuries include:
- Morning Glare: while mornings get brighter earlier in the day when DST ends, this can also introduce challenges for motor vehicle drivers. The angle of the sun during morning commutes can cause glare, making it difficult for motorists to see. Glare can temporarily blind drivers or limit their visibility, which can be especially dangerous in heavy traffic situations. The reduced visibility can lead to collisions with other automobiles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
- Disruption of Sleep Patterns: your internal clock can take some time to adjust to the new light conditions introduced at the start of standard time. Even though most people cherish the extra hour of sleep, it’s still a change that can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue. Tired drivers can be less alert and have slower reaction times, leading to a heightened risk of accidents caused by drowsy driving.
- Wildlife Activity: the end of daylight saving time can also affect the activity patterns of wildlife, such as deer, elk, moose, and bears. These creatures tend to be more active during dawn and dusk, which coincide with the peak commuting hours after DST ends. Some motorists are caught unaware by the change in wildlife activity, which can lead to an increase in car crashes involving deer and other animals.
- Pedestrian Behavior: pedestrians may be slow in adjusting their habits to account for earlier sunsets. They might be outside, walking in dark clothing during times when their visibility to drivers is low or compromised. They may forget to wear bright clothing, reflective armbands, and reflective hats. This can lead to motorists or bicyclists crashing into them and causing injuries.
- Reduced Visibility During Evening Commutes: the end of daylight saving time means that sunsets occur earlier in the evening. For many people, this means that their evening commute will take place in darker conditions than they are accustomed to. Reduced visibility can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other motor vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions and crashes.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
The team at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you enjoy the extra hour of sleep that comes with the end of daylight saving time. We also hope that the information in this blog helps you avoid end of daylight saving time accidents. That said, accidents can happen at any time and through no fault of your own. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another party then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (888) 687-2400. You can also reach our team online by using this encrypted contact form or connecting with our LiveChat representatives. Our team of experienced trial lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you won’t pay a dime unless money has been recovered on your behalf.
Patterson Legal Group has been helping injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for more than 25 years. Our accomplished injury attorneys have recovered more than $250-million in settlements for thousands of clients. Give us a call today and you’ll quickly learn why we’ve become one of the most trusted injury law firms in the Midwest.
