Former Prosecutor | Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Click To Call : Free Consultations

Criminal Defense
View Practice Areas

Personal Injury
View Practice Areas

Naples, Florida

The time change could result in more fatal car accidents

On Behalf of | Mar 4, 2020 | Car Accidents

You may be one of the many people who look forward to the time change in the spring. The days will feel longer, and it means that summer is just around the corner. While the time change that happens in March is a positive thing for many, it can also affect sleep patterns, which in turn can affect the way people drive.

Statistics indicate that fatal accidents are actually more common after a time change. During the week following the time change, these types of collisions increase exponentially. Losing an hour of sleep feels inconvenient, but for some, it can have a detrimental effect on cognition, reaction time and attentiveness. Tired drivers are dangerous drivers, and they are more likely to cause serious or deadly accidents.

Time change equals tired drivers

The week following the springtime change sees more fatal accidents, but you may wonder about why that happens and what you can do to stay safe on the road. During this week, the average of car accidents is actually higher before noon, which may be because people are naturally sleepier in the mornings. After losing an hour of sleep and adjusting to a new sleep schedule, it can take several hours of being awake before a person can think and react clearly.

It is also possible that there are more accidents in the mornings after a time change because it is darker in the mornings. It’s not always easy to drive safely in the dark, especially when you’re already sleepy and groggy. Because of the dangers that come with the time change, some people believe this is a good reason to get rid of changing the times twice per year. It’s no longer necessary, and it could make the roads safer in Florida and across the United States.

The effects of sleepiness on a driver

A tired driver is an unsafe driver. When a person is groggy, he or she may act in ways similar to a drunk or distracted driver, including swerving or driving at erratic speeds. A sleepy driver will not be able to react as quickly and may even fall asleep at the wheel.

Regardless of why a person is tired behind the wheel, each driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes. If you are the victim of an accident caused by the dangerous or reckless choices of another person, you could have grounds to seek recompense through a civil claim. An assessment of your case can help you understand what options are available to you.

Categories

Archives