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THE MOST DANGEROUS WEEK OF THE YEAR; 5 Steps to Stay Safe

March 10, 2023
Jonathan J. Russell

This Sunday, most of us will be “springing forward” one hour.  In the week that follows this change, the loss of an hour due to daylight savings time, has been linked to increases in car accidents, medical errors, hospital admissions and heart attacks.

According to a recent study by the University of Colorado, auto accidents increase, due to the fact that it takes about 6-7 days to adjust to the darker morning commutes, coupled with the fact that the loss of an hour of sleep causes drivers to be less alert. According to the study, there is a 6.3% increase in traffic fatalities over the six days following the March time change.

Additionally,  it has been reported in the Journal of Applied Psychology that mine workers experience 5.7 percent more workplace injuries in the week daylight savings time was implemented, than in any other week of the year. The researchers attribute this increase in injuries to a lack of sleep. For those workers with less strenuous jobs, in 2012 the same journal found that “cyberloafing” significantly increased on the first Monday after daylight savings time. This was attributed to both a lack of sleep and a lack of workday focus and motivation.

According to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, moving to daylight savings time caused teenagers to be sleepier, have slower reaction times and have a harder time paying attention in school.

Finally, a 2016 study by the American Academy of Neurology found that the overall rate for a stroke was 85 higher on average in the two days after daylight savings time started. And a 2012 study at the University of Alabama found that in the first days after daylight savings time begins, there was a 10% increase in heart attacks.

So, what should you do to get enough sleep? The National Sleep Foundation, in declaring the week that daylight savings time is implemented to be “Sleep Awareness Week” suggests the following:

      1.   BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT GETTING 7 TO 9 HOURS OF SLEEP THIS WEEK
      2.   WAIT SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE EATING AND GOING TO BED
      3.   TURN OFF MOBILE DEVICES BEFORE GETTING INTO BED, AS THE SCREEN LIGHT AFFECTS YOUR SLEEP
      4.   CREATE A BEDTIME ROUTINE THAT IS CONDUCIVE TO SLEEP
      5.   KEEP A PAD OF PAPER NEXT TO YOUR BED SO THAT IF ANY WORRIES COME TO MIND, YOU CAN WRITE THEM DOWN AND GET BACK TO SLEEP

At Drake, Hileman & Davis, our personal injury attorneys have been concerned for the safety of those in our community for more than 30 years. We have been helping the injured find answers, whenever tragedy strikes. With a proven track record of results and satisfied clients, we’re ready to answer your questions and provide you with the legal help you need. Contact us on-line or call us at 1-888-777-7098 to schedule your free consultation in the convenience of your home or at one of our five offices located throughout the region.

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