The change to daylight saving time (DST) in Las Vegas can be disconcerting. “Losing” one hour of sleep can affect mood, perception, reflexes, and circadian rhythm. In fact, the mental and physical effects of switching to DST can be so severe that they can result in daylight saving time accidents. In order to avoid a car, motorcycle, or truck accident during the week of the DST change, the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys have put together this list of potentially life-saving tips.
How to Avoid Daylight Saving Time Accidents in Las Vegas
1. Go to Bed at Your Usual Time
The change to DST can disrupt normal sleep patterns. One effective way to deal with the disruption of daylight saving time is to maintain your normal sleep habits. Don’t try to “fight” the time change by staying up late or abruptly changing your sleep schedule. In many cases, you can cause more harm than good, since your body’s internal clock will be out of sorts.
2. Get Sunlight as Soon as You Can After Waking Up
For most people and most schedules, light is the easiest signal for your mind to process that it’s time to get going. Initially, it will be darker when you wake up after the DST change. This may make it difficult to start your day.
In order to combat those effects, make sure that you see bright light as soon as possible. Raise the blinds, draw the curtains, and, if need be, go for a short walk outside before starting your daily routine. Getting light as soon as possible will help you maintain focus, so that your mind is more alert and likely to avoid a daylight saving time accident.
3. If You Can’t Get Sunlight, Exercise in the Morning
For people that wake up especially early, getting adequate light can be an issue. If you fall into this category then add some exercise to your morning routine. A brisk walk will do, but a hearty cardio session in the gym is even better.
Getting a light to moderate workout will also kickstart your metabolism, which will help keep your reflexes and perception sharp. Remember, many daylight saving time accidents are caused by drowsy or distracted driving. Getting some exercise before you hit the road should help you stay alert.
4. Avoid Sunlight or Bright Lights in the Evening
One of the biggest challenges with the DST change is getting to bed at a proper time. The extra sunlight affects your mind and perception, telling your body that it’s still time to be out and about. Although it may be sunny in the early evening, you’re best off avoiding the sunlight, blue light from your phone and other electronics, and even bright lights before bedtime.
At night time, you’ll want to do the opposite of tip 2—close the blinds, close the curtains, and dim or turn off unnecessary lights. The lower light levels will tell your body that it’s time to sleep soon and help you maintain your normal sleep schedule.
Related post: Does Daylight Saving Time Do More Harm Than Good?
5. Avoid Caffeine and Naps Before Your Usual Bedtime
Two of the worst things you can do immediately after the DST change is consume caffeine or take a nap shortly before your normal bedtime. This will make it more difficult for you to go to sleep and could wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.
If you would like some coffee or would like to nap, be sure to do so several hours before going to bed. Doing everything you can to maintain a proper sleep schedule goes a long way towards avoiding fatigue and daylight saving time accidents.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Hopefully you and your family do everything you can to ensure that your DST change disruption is minimal and you’re alert on the road. Even if you and your loved ones are alert while driving, many others on the road will not be. If you’ve gotten into a car accident during the week of daylight saving time through no fault of your own, please contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We’ve recovered billions for our clients and are ready to fight for you!
You can contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys’ Las Vegas office 24/7 at 702-877-1500. We’re also available through the Internet via LiveChat and our secure contact form. In a wreck and need a check? Then, just make one call that’s all to Lerner and Rowe. It’s the best call you ever make.