The Time Change Could Make New York Roads More Dangerous

When daylight saving time begins on March 8th, most New Yorkers will remember to set their clocks ahead and get ready to lose an hour of sleep. But safety experts say that lost hour can have a real impact on drivers across the state.

Fatal Crashes Often Rise After the Time Change

Studies show that fatal car crashes increase by about 6% during the week after daylight saving time begins. The biggest danger seems to happen during the morning commute, when drivers are getting used to the loss of sleep. For many New Yorkers who spend time on busy roads each morning, that foggy feeling behind the wheel could lead to slower reaction times and less focus.

Drowsy Driving Is More Common Than Many Realize

According to the AAA Foundation, drowsy driving is a factor in almost 20% of fatal crashes. Experts believe the actual number may be even higher because fatigue isn’t always identified after an accident. The National Safety Council says driving while severely sleep deprived can impair you just as much as having a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, which is above the legal limit.

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Many People Are Already Thinking About the Time Change

New data reveals Google searches for “What time will it start getting dark” are up 140%, while searches for “Spring forward do we lose an hour of sleep” have gone up by 120% in the past week.

What New York Drivers Should Keep in Mind

The biggest risk happens in the first few days after the time change, when the body’s internal clock is still adjusting. Losing sleep, darker mornings, and heavy commuter traffic can create a dangerous mix.