Car Accidents and the End of Daylight Saving Time in Virginia
Every autumn when the clocks get turned back an hour when daylight saving time ends, the number of motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian accidents increases. There are a number of different reasons that the end of daylight saving time — and the days and weeks just after the clocks go back — can be especially dangerous, and it is important to take precautions for yourself, your vehicle occupants, and others on the road. It is also important to know that being tired from adjusting your sleep pattern due to the end of daylight saving time, or being less accustomed to driving home in the dark, along with other “explanations” for crashes, certainly are not excuses. When a driver’s negligence results in a motor vehicle collision and injuries, that driver may be liable.
Our Richmond car accident lawyers can provide you with more information about the dangers of daylight saving time ending and the clocks going back, and what to do if you are injured in a collision.
Driving Safety Risks When the Clocks Go Back an Hour
Many people know about the dangers of driving after daylight saving time begins in the spring, when clocks go forward and everybody loses an hour of sleep. Given the way the time changes, it is no surprise that motorists are more tired than usual. However, when clocks fall back and daylight saving time ends, there are other types of driving risks. Most notably, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, motorists’ sleep schedules are disrupted leading to more drowsy driving, and more motorists must commute home at the end of the workday at dusk or in the dark.
According to AAA, even though motorists technically “gain” an hour of sleep when daylight saving time ends, “the time change can cause disturbed sleep patterns,” and Virginia and other states typically see a rise in drowsy driving. The addition of driving in the dark can also contribute to drowsiness and fatigue, given that studies show motorists are more likely to get tired behind the wheel after dark.
The earlier darkness also makes it more difficult for motorists to spot pedestrians, or to avoid collisions with animals (such as deer) on the roads or vehicles without appropriate lighting. The evening commute in the dark can also be more hazardous since drivers cannot easily spot road hazards, such as debris.
What to Do After an Autumn Car Crash
After any collision, if you are able to do so, it is essential to document the scene, identify witnesses, and seek medical assistance. As soon as you are ready, you should get in touch with an attorney to find out about options for holding the at-fault driver accountable for any harm they have caused.
Contact Our Richmond Auto Injury Lawyers Today
From injuries in traffic collisions affecting motor vehicle occupants to pedestrians, our firm is here to help you understand your options for filing a claim and seeking financial compensation. Many auto injury cases begin with an insurance claim, but many injured people ultimately file a civil lawsuit against the liable party or parties in order to obtain full compensation to account for their losses. If you have questions about getting started, or if you need assistance with a claim, one of the experienced Richmond car accident attorneys at Latham & Martin can speak with you today. Contact us for more information.
Sources:
living.acg.aaa.com/membership/road-safety-tips-for-daylight-saving-time#:~:text=In%20a%20study%20spanning%2020,the%20first%20week%20of%20DST
patch.com/virginia/herndon/fall-back-driving-tips-aaa-daylight-saving-time-ends-va
