On March 12, 2023, daylight saving will start again, and we will “spring” an hour forward. While gaining an hour of daylight will be exciting, we will lose a precious hour of sleep. Losing just that one hour can significantly mess up our sleep patterns, leaving us drowsy for the following week. This puts many people behind the wheel of vehicles who are much drowsier than we would like.
When drivers are drowsy while operating a vehicle, they have decreased awareness and reaction times. It is estimated that 6,400 people die annually in crashes involving drowsy driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Below, we have put together tips to help you stay alert after daylight saving.
Tips For Staying Alert After Daylight Saving
Get Some Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. It's especially important to get enough sleep before driving, as drowsy driving can lead to accidents and injuries. Sleeping less than six hours can affect your alertness, reaction time and decision-making ability, all of which are critical when driving. So it's essential to prioritize getting enough sleep before getting behind the wheel.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can help regulate your body’s internal cock and make it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up. Additionally, creating a bedtime routine, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath or meditating, can help signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Avoiding screens, such as phones, tablets and computers, for at least an hour before bed can also help improve sleep quality as the blue light emitted from screens can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Plan Ahead
If you know that daylight saving is going to disrupt your sleep schedule, plan ahead and try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change. This can help make the transition smoother and reduce the impact on your sleep.
There are also a variety of apps and devices available for download that can help you stay alert while driving. Some apps can detect when you are getting drowsy and alert you to take a break, while others can play sounds or music designed to keep you awake. It is important to download these ahead of time so you can focus on the road.
Are You Fit to Drive?
Ensuring you are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel is crucial for maintaining your safety and the safety of others on the road. Assess your level of drowsiness. If you feel drowsy, fatigued or have trouble keeping your eyes open, you should not drive. By taking the time to ensure you are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel, you can reduce the risk of accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
It's also important to remember that if you are feeling drowsy, it's best to avoid driving altogether and find another mode of transportation. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others on the road. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of a drowsy-driving accident and ensure that you and your loved ones arrive at your destination safely.
Injured in an Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident with someone you suspect was driving while tired, it is important to understand that driving while tired is a form of negligence. It can be very difficult to prove that another driver was too tired to drive after an accident occurred. But, an experienced car accident lawyer like those at Hupy and Abraham know how to establish if the other driver was at fault.
That is why it is important to contact an attorney immediately after an accident to protect your potential recovery. For more information, contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678 or start a live chat 24/7 at Hupy.com.
