Each year, the start of daylight savings poses problems for people in Kentucky. When daylight savings begins, people lose an hour of sleep and may feel drowsy and fatigued as they get ready for work or school. Unfortunately, until people become accustomed to the time change, the risk of motor vehicle accidents also increases.
Researchers from the University of Colorado found that fatal accidents increase by 6% during the first workweek after the start of daylight savings time. This equates to 28 additional deaths each year. The researchers analyzed data from 732,835 accidents in the U.S. from 1996 to 2017. When daylight savings began in April, the increased risk was observed during that month. Since it was moved to March in 2007, the increased risk moved with the change in the start date of daylight savings time.
People who live in the western portions of their time zones have the highest risk of accidents during the week following the start of daylight savings time. In addition to getting less sleep, people also are forced to drive to work when it is still dark outside. In western areas of time zones, the risk of accidents increased by 8%.
People should exercise caution after the start of daylight savings time. They might want to go to bed a little earlier than usual so that they are more rested when it is time to get out of bed. People who are injured in motor vehicle accidents that are caused by other motorists may benefit from consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys. The lawyers might analyze the evidence to determine liability and may then discuss the merits of the potential claims. If they agree to accept representation, the attorneys might handle everything for their clients to try to negotiate a fair settlement that will fully compensate them for their losses.