Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, which means clocks will "fall back" one hour. Changing the time always comes with some challenges, especially for those who commute every day. Some government officials are even calling for a permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), which would eliminate the need to go back one hour in the fall, and go forward one hour in the spring. For now, DST will be happening as normal throughout most of the US.
One challenge with DST is that it changes our sleep schedules. While it’s more dangerous when the time changes in March because of lack of sleep, any change in our schedules can affect our bodies. Getting too much sleep has been linked to several medical conditions, such as headaches, back pain, and depression. Keep an eye on your sleep schedule as the time changes. If you’re sleeping too much or too little, you may have a harder time staying focused behind the wheel.
Another way DST affects drivers is by changing what time the sun rises and sets. If you’re used to it being dark when you leave for work and light when you’re on your way home, that may change when DST ends. If your morning commute is suddenly much brighter than normal, you’ll need to adjust your driving accordingly. Remember to wear your sunglasses!
If it’s going to be darker on your way home now, don’t forget to make sure your headlights are on. Keep an eye out for hazards such as wildlife and unexpected hills or curves. Even if it’s still light when you’re on the road, the sun is likely in a different position than normal, and sun glare could make it harder to see than usual. For the first few days after DST ends, be extra careful on the road as everyone adjusts to their new settings.
Finally, make sure you’re driving defensively. Even if you take all the precautions you can, not every driver will. Do not drive distracted, avoid sudden lane changes, and keep plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles. If your defensive driving skills are a little rusty, check out our website! We offer online defensive driving courses in many states.
Stay safe this fall by keeping these DST tips in mind! If you’d like to learn more about traffic safety, and see which online courses we offer in your state, visit our website!
Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, which means clocks will "fall back" one hour. Changing the time always comes with some challenges, especially for those who commute every day. Some government officials are even calling for a permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), which would eliminate the need to go back one hour in the fall, and go forward one hour in the spring. For now, DST will be happening as normal throughout most of the US.