For a few days following the change to daylight savings time, Illinois motorists might find it difficult to adjust, especially when it comes to their morning commute. In fact, the time change is responsible for a 6% increase in fatal car crashes, which accounts to about 30 more fatalities annually according to a University of Colorado research group.
The study showed that the spring time change causes drivers to lose an hour of sleep, which has a bad effect on their health and safety, and it directly correlates with an increase of on-the-job injuries and heart-related problems. Through an analysis of about 733,000 vehicle crashes in the United States from 1996 to 2017, the study’s researchers also found that the increased rate of fatal auto wrecks happened right after the daylight time change and during the morning hours with the amount of crashes growing yearly. The study’s total number of drivers who died in car accidents immediately following springtime daylight savings was about 630. The researchers noted that there was another jump in auto crashes following the autumn time change but mostly at night.
The March time change has a greater impact on commuters who live in the western part of the country because their mornings are still dark, such as in Texas. Some western states, such as California, Washington and Oregon, are reportedly considering legislation that would put an end to the daylight saving time change.
Following the daylight saving time change, the roadway can become a dangerous place for motorists as facts from this study show. Those who lose a loved one in a car accident caused by a negligent driver may consider consulting a personal injury law firm. With the help of a lawyer, the decedent’s family members may be able to be compensated by holding the responsible party liable for their losses.
