BE AWARE OF THE DROWSY DRIVING RISKS OF THE TIME CHANGE

This weekend is the annual end of daylight saving time. So, the clocks will be getting set back an hour. Many get excited about one of the things this brings with it: An extra hour of sleep.

However, in the midst of the excitement over the chance to get some extra sleep, it is important for individuals here in Connecticut to also be aware of one of the risks that can come with the end of daylight saving time. This is an increased risk for drowsy driving.

Why can people be particularly vulnerable to fatigued driving after the end of daylight saving time? They can because a change of the clocks can disrupt people’s circadian rhythm. This can create an increased risk of drowsiness.

Fatigued driving has the potential to trigger serious motor vehicle crashes. Such accidents can cause live-changing, and potentially even fatal, injuries. So, drowsy driving prevention is very important.

What can you do to avoid drowsy driving in the days following the clocks “falling back”? Steps that could help include:

• Being aware of the impacts the clock change could have on you, and carefully watching for signs of drowsiness when driving
• Safely getting off of the roads if you are starting to feel drowsy behind the wheel
• Not driving after taking medications that can cause drowsiness
• Staying away from heavy meals
• Sticking to your regular driving schedule

Also, in the days following daylight saving time’s end, it is important to remember that your fellow motorists may be more likely than usual to be drowsy. So, it can be worthwhile to be ready to engage in defensive driving and be especially watchful of how the vehicle’s around you are acting.

We hope that all Connecticut drivers, in addition to enjoying this weekend’s extra hour of sleep, will take proper drowsy driving prevention steps in the wake of the clock changes.