Spring time change can present challenges that increase accidents

Spring is upon us which means it’s time to turn our clocks forward to Daylight Saving Time (DST) on Sunday, March 10.

In exchange for losing an hour of sleep, we also gain more daylight in the evening. It is a welcome trade-off for many people but the first week after the return of DST can present challenges that can lead to accidents, injuries and even death.

Researchers report an annual spike in motor vehicle accidents in the first few days after the clocks spring forward. But the danger is not only on our roads. According to Business Insider, U.S. hospitals report a 24 per cent increase in heart-attack visits every year on the Monday following the switch. Conversely, when people get an extra hour of sleep after clocks return to Standard Time in the fall, heart-attack visits decrease by 21 per cent, the Business Insider states. For more, click here.