Daylight Saving Time connected to increase in fatal accidents

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Clocks move ahead one hour this weekend and the chances of being killed in a fatal accident increases.

AAA – The Auto Club Group cites a 20-year study published in “Current Biology.” The study analyzed more than 732,000 vehicle crashes, finding a 6% increase in fatal crashes during the week following the switch to Daylight Saving Time. AAA recommends drivers commit to following safe driving patterns.

“Some people refer to this one hour change as like a mini jet lag,” AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart told WAND News. “So, this is just a time for all of the drivers to be cautious. Make sure they get enough rest and be alert when they get in the car.”

“Moving clocks forward one-hour means it will stay dark later into the morning, when children will be on the way to school,” Hart added.