Disrupted sleep or lack of sleep can cause drowsiness. And for those driving, that can result in an increased risk on the road.
AAA Mid-Atlantic and Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) say that concern is heightened with the end of Daylight Saving Time this weekend.
AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Ken Grant says the numbers back this up.
“AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says we’re looking at over 300,000 crashes each year in the United States that are caused by some form of drowsiness. This leads to over 6,000 fatalities each year - nationally," said Grant. "Here in Delaware, the numbers are just as staggering; over 6,000 crashes that are attributed - at least in part - to drowsy driving.”
Grant says there are a whole series of tips to help motorists combat the time change this Saturday night into Sunday morning, and the drowsiness that may come with it.
He notes it starts with being aware that other drivers are also likely be drowsy - and so you stay alert. Grant also suggests drivers slow down, and turn on their headlights to become more visible during the new morning and evening conditions.
Delaware state lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year to end Daylight Saving Time shift and put the First State in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone full time. But it will only take effect if Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland enact similar legislation.
So for now, it’s time to turn clocks back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.
