AAA urges drivers to use extra caution post-Daylight Saving Time
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — With Daylight Saving Time approaching Sunday, Mar. 9, 2025, people will be losing an hour of sleep heading into work next week.
Experts said this can create some serious problems for drivers. A 20-year study by the 'Current Biology' Team found out of more than 732,000 vehicle crashes, there was a 6 percent increase in fatal wrecks during the first week following Daylight Saving Time.
AAA of the Carolinas urges drivers to use caution as many side effects can come from the loss of hour.
'The time change, it can really impact sleeping patterns, raises the risk for drowsy driving, and even if it's only a one-hour time difference, your body can still feel like it is in a mini jet lag,' Carolinas Public Affairs Director for AAA Tiffany Wright said. 'It is really important to practice safe driving behaviors, don't drive distracted, make sure you are getting plenty of rest and just be extra vigilant out there.' Wright said there are some warning signs to look out for when the time change first occurs as the impacts can last more than just a day.
'You might find yourself getting a little agitated behind the wheel, you might feel a little lethargic,' Wright said. 'All these are warning signs you need to pay attention too. It means you are not getting enough rest. These are some of the things and yes, these effects can linger on for a week or even more.'
While there will be more daylight during Spring and Summer, it means mornings will be darker which can lead to problems on the road at school crossings or bus stops.
'It's important to be extra vigilant behind the wheel, especially around those school areas where you know children are going to be going to school at that time of day, and let's face it, it will be dark,' Wright said. 'It will be dark for them, so it's a good time to have a talk with your children to be extra mindful as they are walking to and from the bus stop.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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