Based off a Yahoo Finance post by Crissanda Ponder
It is now March, and Daylight Savings time starts this Sunday morning (March 8th) at 2am. It’s a bittersweet moment because while it means spring is near, it also means losing some sleep, and adjusting to a new schedule. This could, unfortunately, lead to some insurance risks.
Drowsier Driving
Did you know fatal car accidents increase by 6 percent during the week Daylight Savings Time begins? A study conducted at the University of Colorado – Boulder came to this conclusion, and stated that this increase was caused by a lack of sleep. While only the first day you actually “lose” an hour of the day, it can be hard to adjust to going to bed at a time that seems earlier, and getting up at what seems like an hour earlier. Remember, any accident, no matter what size, can result in a rate increase in your auto insurance. So if you’re tired, avoid getting behind the wheel.
Less Vision
Since your commute is starting an hour earlier than you’re used to, at the beginning of Daylight Savings Time it may still be dark out. Make sure you are on the lookout for animals such as deer, or even pedestrians during your morning drive.
Don’t Just Stay Alert on the Road, Stay Alert at Work
Research suggests that it can take up to two weeks for people to adjust to Daylight Savings Time. Decreased energy at work can lead to work injuries. Researchers at Michigan State University found that the number of workplace injuries increase by 6 percent during this time also.
Continue to Be Safe
There are many perks to when Daylight Savings Time arrives. Mostly, it’s the beginning of the end of winter. But just be sure to play it save and use extra-extra caution the first couple weeks on the road (always use extra caution!), be smart about if you’re too tired, and over all, just be careful! Soon enough, we’ll be used to the time change, the snow we’ll be off the ground, and we’ll able to be outside again.
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