Studies have shown with the Monday following a time change comes an increased risk of things such as heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents. State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey said any time the time changes and there is a difference in lighting, it can pose problems on the roadways.
“Studies have shown in the past that the most dangerous times to drive are right in that dusk timeframe or that dawn timeframe when the sun is changing and you consistently have a change in your visual field,” said Matey.
Matey said the lack of sleep can negatively impact driving habits, adding there is an uptick in distracted driving following the time change.
“Anytime you are going to have a lack of sleep or light changing in the environment they are driving in can pose problems. And coupled with the distracted driving, it can turn disastrous,” said Matey
Matey said it is important for drivers to maintain heightened awareness for pedestrians at this time as well.
“There will be kids that are out waiting for the bus, possibly in the dark in the mornings. In the afternoons, coming home from work, there might be an increase in pedestrians and things like that in your neighborhood,” said Matey.
