Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents In Washington State Increase After Spring Time Changes
Few people look forward to yearly time changes. Particularly in the spring, setting the clocks back one hour for Daylight Saving Time can disrupt your sleep schedule for weeks after. While this can prove dangerous for anyone and increases the likelihood of personal injuries, our Issaquah truck accident attorney explains how it specifically impacts the trucking industry, where drowsy driving is already a common problem.
Spring Time Changes Can Wreak Havoc With Your Health
Making the switch to Daylight Savings Time in the spring and then changing the clocks back each fall was originally done to conserve energy and capitalize on naturally longer days and increased sunny weather in the summer months. However, Johns Hopkins Medicine warns that switching the clocks back and forth this way disrupts natural body rhythms, resulting in inflammation and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other potentially life-threatening medical emergencies.
It also disrupts sleep schedules, which can be hard to establish and difficult to maintain. Unfortunately, missing even an hour of sleep at night can cause the same types of impairments as being under the influence of alcohol. These include:
- Teary eyes and blurred vision;
- Lapses in judgment;
- Lack of coordination;
- Slower reflexes.
Reducing Spring Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Risks
Impairments that happen due to being tired make people more accident-prone and are particularly dangerous behind the wheel. A March 2024 KREM News 2 reports that despite the fact that Washington State has been on board to eliminate time changes and maintain Daylight Saving Time year-round for years, a federal law is needed to make the switch.
While springtime changes create hazards for all motorists, drowsy driving is an especially serious problem in the trucking industry. Truckers work varied schedules and often drive for long shifts, including overnight cross-country trips where they have little time off and are rushing to beat the clock.
This makes them more likely to become excessively fatigued or even nod off behind the wheel. Doing so can result in potentially deadly truck accidents in Washington State, impacting multiple other drivers on the road. To reduce the risks, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries recommends that truckers follow these tips:
- Make sleep a priority and aim to get eight hours a night;
- When driving long distances, take frequent breaks;
- Be alert for signs of drowsy driving, such as watering eyes and losing focus;
- Pull over immediately if you notice yourself yawning a lot or your eyelids getting heavy;
- Take a 20-minute nap, which can provide just enough rest to be able to finish your trip.
Contact Our Issaquah Truck Accident Attorney For Help In Filing A Claim
Drowsy driving truck accidents in Washington State can result in serious, potentially life-threatening personal injuries. At Injury Law Group NW, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need in filing a claim. To request a consultation with our Issaquah truck accident attorney, call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/7-things-to-know-about-daylight-saving-time
https://www.krem.com/article/news/verify/daylight-saving-time-washington-verify/293-659d0c68-a067-4fba-8750-54dbfa1a2e6e
https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-research/files/2020/901512020.pdf
