Car accidents increase as daylight changes in the fall
You might have noticed the days getting shorter as summer comes to an end. The amount of daylight in mid-August in Central Missouri is about 13 and a half hours, compared to nearly 15 hours on the solstice just two months ago.
The change in daylight affects our lives in many ways, altering what people do at certain times of day and disrupting our natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. These changes are more than just an inconvenience and can even increase the risk of hazards as daylight decreases.
A study published in 2022 examined the change in traffic crashes around the transitions into and out of Daylight Saving Time. After the spring time change, overall crashes drop by 18%, especially on freeways and rural roads.
However, when clocks fall back in November, the number of crashes increases by 6% during the four weeks after the change. Notably, nighttime crashes jump 28% when days become darker.
The sudden time change is challenging for many people; just over half report feeling fatigued afterward. Fatigue while driving can be very dangerous.
According to the National Safety Council, 37% of U.S. adults have fallen asleep at the wheel, and of those, 13% do so at least once a month. They recommend getting 7 or more hours of sleep each night and driving during hours when you're normally awake.
Mid-Missouri is already losing over 2 minutes of daylight each day before fall begins, so it’s important to stay safe on the roads even before the most noticeable changes occur. Staying well-rested before driving helps keep you and others safe on the roads.
