Virginia’s springtime brings blooming flowers, sunshine, and warmer weather. But with rising temperatures, we also see a rise in something else – car accidents. The first day of spring itself doesn’t directly cause more accidents, but it often coincides with the switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST). Studies have shown a rise in car accidents in the week following the start of Daylight Saving Time. This time change, where clocks spring forward one hour, is linked to an increase in accidents. At Rutter Mills, our car accident lawyers see an increase in cases around the first day of spring year after year.
Losing an hour of sleep can make drivers drowsy and impair their reaction times. This is especially true in the days following the switch as our bodies adjust.
Shifting sleep schedules can disrupt our natural internal clock, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness.
The evening commute might be darker than usual after the time change, affecting visibility and reaction times.
The position of the sun in the sky may decrease visibility for traffic lights and oncoming vehicles.
You may be wondering how serious the increased risk is. Luckily, researchers in Colorado helped quantify the increase in wrecks after the first day of spring. A key study on the topic was published in the journal, “Current Biology” in 2020, by scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder. The study examined over 732,000 accidents over 20 years. The results showed a correlation between the switch to Daylight Saving Time and a 6% increase in fatal car crashes during the first week following the time change [study on daylight saving time and accidents].
HOW SAFE ARE VIRGINIANS THIS SPRING
Car crash rates in Virginia are on the rise. Research shows the number of car accidents in Virginia increased 3.3% over 2021. 2022 Virginia Crash Facts from DMV point out the leading causes of accidents on Virginia roads and they range from more traffic to bad weather. While the exact reasons can vary, being aware of increased risk around the first day of Spring can help you stay safe on the roads.
No matter what time of year, accidents are serious. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, our team van help you fight the insurance companies to get the money you need.
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
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Our team is ready to listen day or night – 7 days a week, so contact us now to see how we can help you on the road to recovery.
