HEALTH

Zero Fatalities urges road users to stay alert as the clocks move ahead

Mar 10, 2023, 11:04 AM | Updated: 11:13 am

a bed and table are pictured, daylight saving time is coming up...

Experts say daylight saving time can interrupt our internal clocks. (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — This Sunday at 2 a.m. the clocks will spring forward, effectively stealing an hour of sleep from us. 

The shift in time can be more than a simple annoyance. Studies show that the leap forward can actually have adverse health and safety impacts.

One notable impact is the increase in car accidents. Zero Fatalities wants to remind drivers and pedestrians to stay safe on Utah roads.

According to Zero Fatalities, daylight saving time introduces two travel risks: poor visibility due to less light in the morning and drowsiness due to a change in sleep cycles.

Zero Fatalities offered tips and encouraged people to be aware of these risks as they take to the roads Monday morning. 

Dark mornings

According to Zero Fatalities, driving during dark hours increases the risk of a fatal crash, especially an auto-pedestrian crash. Drivers and pedestrians need to make an extra effort to see each other. 

Mornings can be peak travel times. Drivers should be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians or motorcyclists. Remember to slow down, especially in neighborhoods, near schools and around intersections. 

Vulnerable roadway users

Additionally, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists should take actions power to be seen by drivers such as wearing reflective gear and lights. 

Pedestrians should use traffic safety devices, obey traffic laws and attempt to make eye contact with drivers.

 Eliminate distractions and focus on the task of driving, walking, biking. Even walking while distracted can prove dangerous.

It is also recommended that parents should talk to children and teens about the risks and safety tips for the time change. 

Body shifts

Skipping that hour also impacts the body and it takes time to adjust and avoid drowsy driving.

Make sure you are alert and aware before going driving, walking or biking. 

It is ok to pull over to a safe place if you experience sleepiness while driving.

Zero Fatalities recommends resetting your internal clock slowly.

You can reduce your risk for daylight saving-induced drowsiness by resetting your internal body clock slowly. For the next two nights, people can try to set an alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier and go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier than usual.

Lastly, be active and enjoy the weekend so it will be easier to fall asleep earlier.

To learn more about avoiding drowsy driving or improving pedestrian safety, visit ZeroFatalities.com

Related: Daylight Saving Time again a consideration by Utah lawmakers

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

18 hours ago

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

1 day ago

Over 30% of people in Utah are considred prediabetic because of the amount of soda they drink....

Amanda Dickson

Is Utah’s soda obsession behind our levels of prediabetes?

Here in Utah, our soda drinking habits might be making us particularly at risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

2 days ago

A hand holds a tablet stamped with "MF," standing for mifepristone....

CNN

Study shows how self-managed abortion became more common, as Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looms

Medication abortion has become increasingly common since it first became available in the United States two decades ago.

3 days ago

Small screens...

Don Brinkerhoff

Small screens impacting the mental health of kids says study

The increased use of small screens by kids and teens may be linked to increased mental health issues according to a study.

3 days ago

bottles of prescription medication at a desk. 16.2% of Utahns are unable to get the prescription me...

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Utah ranks second in the nation for prescription medication shortages

The hardest prescription medication to get is for ADHD, cancer and high blood pressure.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Zero Fatalities urges road users to stay alert as the clocks move ahead