Knoxville motorists should be extra cautious on the roads after daylight saving time. The streets are not as safe as they normally are because of the change in time. According to Vox.com, it causes sleep deprivation and exhaustion for many people. Many motorists are well aware of the dangers of driving while sleepy. But they may not know how much daylight saving time can alter their abilities to stay awake and alert while they are on the roads.
Daylight saving time occurs in the spring. The clocks are set ahead an hour to increase the number of hours that daylight occurs. It also increases visibility during some early morning and evening hours. Gaining an extra hour may not seem like it is enough to disrupt a person’s sleeping pattern. But there are studies that show how much a person’s brain and body functions change when they do not get enough sleep.
Many people tend to sleep in on the day that daylight saving time begins. But this does not keep them from feeling fatigued. The first Monday after the time change occurs in the spring causes an increase in fatal car accidents, states Time.com. Many of those accidents are caused by motorists whose bodies were unable to adjust to the change in time.
Motorists can protect themselves from the risk of daylight saving time car accidents by getting enough rest in the days leading up to it and afterward. They should also pay close attention to their bodies so they can avoid driving when they feel fatigued.