Daylight Saving Time Increases Risks Of Personal Injuries In Naples
Each year we ‘spring forward’ in March for Daylight Saving Time. While there are benefits to a later sunset, there is also controversy surrounding the practice and concern over potential risks. Time changes disrupt our sleep schedules and our body’s internal clock, leaving people feeling tired for weeks after. This increases personal injury risks. Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains more about the impacts, the movement to eliminate time changes, and ways to protect yourself in the meantime.
Time Changes Can Have Dangerous Impacts On Your Health And Safety
Daylight saving time was initiated in 1918, during World War I. By extending daylight hours, the goal was to conserve resources by decreasing energy. It is debatable whether the practice makes any significant difference. However, one thing for certain is the impact it can have on health and safety.
The National Institutes Of Health (NIH) states that time changes affect the body’s natural circadian rhythms. These are internal processes that dictate sleep and wakefulness over a 24 hour period. They rely on signals from the brain, which perceives changes in light as natural clues for the body to rest.
Disruptions of circadian rhythms due to Daylight Saving Time can have major impacts. In the immediate aftermath of time changes, researchers have observed the following:
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes;
- Increased incidents of mental health problems;
- Increased risk of motor vehicle crashes and other types of accidents resulting in serious personal injuries.
Protecting Yourself Against Personal Injuries During Time Changes
Many people report having difficulty adjusting to time changes. One of the biggest risks is feeling excessively tired for several weeks after, which can impact your overall health and make you more accident prone.
Due to the potential danger, as well as the general inconvenience caused by time changes, there is a movement afoot to keep clocks on Daylight Saving Time all year. Senator Mark Rubio (R-FLA) introduced the Sunshine Protection Act in 2021 to accomplish this goal, and it was approved by the Senate in 2022. However, it has not yet passed in the U.S. House Of Representatives or been signed into law by the President.
For the time being, we will continue to ‘spring forward’ and ‘fall back’ each year. The following tips can help you adapt to these changes;
- Begin making small adjustments to your sleep schedule in the weeks leading up to time changes;
- Once they occur, be aware that your body needs time to adjust;
- Pay close attention when driving and pull over immediately if you feel yourself getting excessively tired;
- Use caution when walking, biking, or engaging in other activities.
Contact Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyer
Being tired increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes and other types of accidents. If you or someone you love is injured, Cardinal Law, P.A. may be able to help you get compensation in a claim. To request a consultation with our Naples personal injury lawyer, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34325828/
congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/623
