Daylight Saving Time Increases Crash Risks for Drivers, Experts Warn
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
A University of Colorado study found that fatal car crashes spike 6% during the week after clocks spring forward, with morning commute hours carrying the highest risk. The National Safety Council has found that driving while sleep-deprived can impair drivers to a degree comparable to a 0.08% BAC - the national legal limit - and the AAA Foundation estimates drowsy drivers play a role in close to 1 in 5 fatal crashes, a number widely believed to be a severe undercount.
New data from Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers shows that Google searches for "Drowsy sleep mask" have surged 450%, "When do we lose an hour of sleep" is up 300%, and "Do we lose an hour of sleep in March" has jumped 250% over the past week, showing mounting concern about the time change and its impact on sleep and road safety.
The Miami-based firm warns that anyone involved in a crash during the dangerous post-DST week needs to act fast - under Florida's no-fault insurance system, victims who don't seek medical care within 14 days of an accident risk losing their right to compensation entirely.
So what should Florida drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists know before this Sunday - and is it time to scrap the clock change for good?
Why Florida Is Especially Vulnerable This Week
Florida ranks in the top three states for traffic fatalities, and March is already the state's most dangerous month on the road thanks to spring break. Add a lost hour of sleep to that mix, and millions of Florida commuters, tourists, pedestrians, and cyclists face elevated risk.
Amanda Demanda, Founding Attorney at Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, warns:
"Florida's roads are plagued with accidents and our state ranks in the top three for traffic fatalities as it is. March is already the most dangerous month for Florida drivers with all the spring break traffic, and with the spring forward time change, it requires everyone on the road to pay even greater attention. Pedestrians and cyclists out in those darker mornings are less visible too, and that makes it a more dangerous time for them. Many Florida residents, even those who have been here for decades, don't know that Florida no-fault requires you to seek medical care within 14 days of an accident or they lose their rights to compensation."
Expert Tips to Minimize Drowsy Driving Risks After Daylight Saving Time
Adjust Sleep Schedules: Plan ahead for the time change by getting to bed a little earlier before and after the clock springs forward.
Know the Signs of Fatigue While Driving: Watch for other drivers who drift out of their lane. On your end, if you notice you keep drifting, struggle to focus, or yawn frequently, pull over to stay safe.
Be Defensive with Driving Techniques: Keep more distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and plan on giving yourself extra commuting time to avoid rushing.
Watch Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Walkers and joggers out for morning exercise, and cyclists will be harder to see. Keep an eye out for them on these darker mornings, especially in areas with high foot traffic. If you’re walking or cycling, wear bright or reflective clothing to stand out in the darkness.
Drowsy Driving Isn’t Just Dangerous - It’s Legally Risky: Being tired because of the time change isn’t a valid excuse when you get into an accident. All drivers must provide a duty of care to one another, including not getting on the road when you’re struggling to stay awake. You may face liability issues through legal claims and higher premiums from your insurance carrier if you cause a crash.
Know What to Do After an Accident Caused by Fatigue: Like any accident, make sure you gather evidence, including documenting anything that indicates drowsy driving, get prompt medical attention, and seek legal advice regarding your crash.
The Case for Abolishing Daylight Saving Time
Amanda Demanda isn't just warning drivers about the dangers of DST - she's calling for it to end entirely.
Demanda explains:
"Deadly accidents increase by 6% the week after the spring forward clock change. I've watched lawmakers in Florida push for abolishing this old time practice and my position stands in favor of greater safety for everyone. There's research backing this and eliminating time changes could help prevent these tragedies that rob families of loved ones and leave sleepy drivers on the hook for the fallout they cause by driving when they haven't slept enough."