Fall back, spring ahead! Twice per year, residents on the east coast experience a shift in daily schedules as a result of daylight savings time. Daylight savings time is the manipulation of time to extend sunlight into the evening hours during the summer. This fall, as daylight savings time comes to an end, there are potential hazards you should be aware of.
Disrupted Schedules Leads To Distraction That Causes Car Accidents
According to research, there is an increase in accidents that result in injuries and death immediately following daylight savings time. One factor that contributes to the rise in accidents is the change in people’s schedules. When the time changes, people have a difficult time adapting to new daylight hours, which causes them to rush from one place to another. Likewise, changing daylight hours means visibility changes during typical commute times, which can lead to distraction.
Change in Sleep Habits Creates Difficulty For Workers
Although you get an extra hour of sleep on the first night of daylight savings in the fall, setting your clock back by an hour creates adverse changes in your sleeping habits. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep at their usual bedtime, resulting in less sleep overall. A loss of sleep means tired workers showing up on the job, which creates an increase in injuries. According to multiple studies, there is a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries after daylight savings time.
Prepare For Daylight Savings Time To Prevent Accidents & Injuries
The time change in the fall is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to address measures individuals can take to increase their safety in dangerous situations.
Here are a few recommendations for a safer daylight savings time this fall.
● Give yourself extra time to wake up in the morning.
● Gradually adjust your bedtime before the time change.
● Adjust your car headlights according to the sunlight.
● Take your time with typical daily tasks if you feel tired.
● Allow yourself time to rest.
In addition to these safety tips, it is also important to be aware of others’ actions. Just because you’ve taken the time to prepare for the time change doesn’t mean that others have. If you are aware of what’s going on around you, you can help prevent accidents of all kinds.
Trust Patch & FitzGerald With Your Personal Injury Case
If you’re involved in a car accident or work accident this fall, be sure to call upon a trusted personal injury attorney for assistance. In New Hampshire, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are experienced in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases. At Patch & Fitzgerald, we are committed to serving you and understand what it takes to win you the settlement you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.
To schedule a free consultation for your case, call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. There’s no better time than now to earn the compensation you deserve, and we’re here to help.