Daylight Saving Time And Car Accidents In Naples: How Time Changes Put Drivers At Risk

On March 9, 2025, Daylight Saving Time (DST) began. As we ‘spring forward’ at this time of year, Naples residents lose an hour of sleep but gain an extra hour of evening sunlight.

This shift may seem small, but it can impact your sleep schedule, reduce alertness, and tends to make car accidents in Collier County more likely to happen. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash this spring, our Naples car accident lawyer explains what to do and your rights in seeking compensation.

How Daylight Saving Time Increases Naples Car Accident Risks

Adjusting to the time change may seem minor, but research proves otherwise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns of a spike in severe, often life-threatening car accidents in the days following daylight saving time.

Sleep disruptions and shifting daylight hours create dangerous conditions, particularly for motorists, and increase Naples car accident risks. Factors that make crashes more common during daylight saving time include:

• Lack of sleep: Falling behind even one hour of sleep throws off your schedule and impacts reaction time, concentration, and judgment.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigue-related crashes spike as drivers struggle to adjust.
• Glare from shifting daylight hours: Changes in sunrise and sunset times can create blinding glare, making it more difficult to see other drivers or pedestrians and cyclists.
• Disrupted commutes: Drivers may be less alert during their morning and evening routines as they adjust to the new schedule.
• Increased pedestrian accidents: More people may be walking or biking later in the day, increasing the risk of collisions.

What to Do If You Are in a Naples Car Accident Due To The Time Change

Harvard Health confirms that Daylight Saving Time can significantly impact your behavior for weeks after. If you are involved in a crash and suspect DST-related drowsy or distracted driving is to blame, take these steps to protect yourself and your rights in a Naples car accident claim:

• Call the police immediately, report the accident, and request medical help;
• Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details;
• Document the scene, taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries;
• Get statements from anyone who saw the crash;
• Get medical help right away, even if injuries seem minor.

Consult our Naples car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies. While proving drowsiness and distraction due to Daylight Saving Time is difficult, our office fights to get you the compensation you deserve.

To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Experienced Naples Car Accident Lawyer Today

Setting our clocks ahead to daylight saving time tends to increase car accidents in Naples. If you or someone you love gets hurt, Cardinal Law, P.A. is here to help.

We can investigate, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the maximum compensation, even if that means taking your case to court. For trusted, experienced legal representation throughout the claims process, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation with our experienced Naples car accident lawyer today.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/drowsy-driving#:~:text=Overview,fatalities%20(Stewart%2C%202023).

health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-dark-side-of-daylight-saving-time