WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As Daylight Saving time begins, you may feel tired after losing an hour of sleep, and traffic safety experts shared the risks associated with drowsy driving.
It’s finally time to spring those clocks ahead. Starting Sunday, the sun will both rise and set an hour later, giving us more daylight as we approach the official start of spring.
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“I feel good, I know spring is coming,” said Juan Rivera of East Hartford, Connecticut.
“I love this time of year,” said John Labrie of Easthampton.
We did lose an hour of sleep overnight Saturday, and you may feel the effects, especially if you’re hitting the road. AAA is reminding drivers just how important it is to catch up on rest before getting behind the wheel.
According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 700 fatalities from crashes involving drowsy driving in 2022. New research suggests drowsy driving is a factor in 10 times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crashes.
To protect yourself and others at a time your sleep pattern may be disrupted, remember these important tips:
- Travel at a time when you are normally awake
- Avoid distractions like cellphones
Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash. And of course, make sure to buckle up for every ride.
As Daylight Saving time begins, it’s encouraged to take advantage of that extra hour of sunlight.
“Spring is coming, a lot of people are gonna do gardening,” Rivera said. “A lot of people are gonna be happy.”
“‘Cause it’s lighter later in the day, I’ll spend some more time outside after work,” Labrie said.
This time of year is a true sign that spring is on its way.
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