Skip to content

Novembers daylight savings time set to increase car accidents by a whopping 16%

The week following the clocks falling back shows an increase in car accidents by 16%, meaning you should be extra cautious this fall when attempting to get back your lost sleep.

Though spring forward daylight savings time is undoubtedly harder on your body, that isn’t to say that November 3’s fallback isn’t difficult for its own reasons. November’s lack of light can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and even affect your hunger.

Daylight savings time is observed by a third of the world

Car crash
Credit: Unsplash/Per L��v

While the same can’t be said of Hawaii and Arizona, the rest of the United States observes the biannual clock-changing ritual along with most of Europe. It’s a highly debated subject, with experts urging governing bodies to abandon the process.

November 3 might be easier than the Spring change for most of us, given that we gain an extra hour of sleep, but it does pose its own issues like the fact heart attacks see an increase.

The week following the change sees an increase in vehicle-related accidents, with one study finding a 6% increase from the mid-1990s to 2017. While the exact reason differs between cases, researchers theorize that it’s down to the combination of sleep deprivation and reduced light.

Another study, which found that accidents increased by 13%, also noted a 15-20% reduction in serious road accidents during the days close to the Spring DST change.

“Our analysis suggests that changes in road accidents are not influenced by factors such as fuel prices or road usage but by lighting conditions,” Dr Giuseppe Moscelli, Associate Professor in Economics, said. “It begs the question of whether improving artificial lighting conditions in accident hotspots could improve outcomes for drivers.”

Dr Moscelli further theorized that keeping to a standard time would both reduce accidents and taxpayer spending.

“Not transitioning back to Standard Time in the Autumn and keeping that extra hour of sunlight appears to not only be a lifesaver, but cost-effective for the taxpayer,” he said. “Abolishing DST could lead to cost savings of approximately �7.5 million ($8.1 million) per year during the Spring transition because of the decrease in serious accidents during the additional evening daylight hour provided by DST.”

DST will be particularly difficult for dementia patients

Groups of people like those with dementia and Alzheimer’s might find the transition considerably more difficult and confusing. There are a few things you can to do mitigate that added stress, CBD.co offered.

They argued that consistency and preparation should be your key, which you can achieve through gradually introducing the change keeping their daytime routine the same, and ensuring they get enough sunlight.

You might also consider purchasing an automatic clock so you can set and forget the time. It’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about.