Twice a year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) rearranges our internal clocks and daily routines. On the first Sunday in November, clocks “fall back” one hour. While many welcome this extra hour of sleep, the transition can introduce new hazards, especially for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Understanding how this shift increases risk can help all road users stay safe.

The effect of fall DST is that sunset arrives an hour earlier. Commuters who previously drove home with daylight now find themselves navigating dusk or outright darkness during rush hour. This sudden shift can upend familiar routines and create more challenging driving conditions. The body’s internal clock is altered. Even though many people are excited for an “extra” hour of sleep, studies show that any disruption to sleep patterns can have negative consequences. The body's circadian rhythm does not reset instantly. Fatigue, poor concentration, and slower reaction times can persist for days, contributing to an increased risk of vehicle crashes. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that drowsy driving is a factor in approximately 10 percent of all crashes.

Earlier sunsets mean the afternoon commute is shrouded in darkness. Most drivers simply aren’t as accustomed to navigating their usual routes in limited light, reducing their ability to spot hazards such as pedestrians, cyclists, or wildlife. According to the National Safety Council, traffic fatalities are three times higher at night than during the day. Reduced visibility makes it easier for drivers to miss children at crosswalks, joggers in reflective gear, or cyclists with inadequate lighting. Multiple studies confirm that accident rates climb in the days following the fall time change. A notable study published in the journal Current Biology found that there is a significant increase in fatal car crashes during the week after DST ends in the fall, largely attributed to changes in light exposure and sleep patterns.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Connecticut in the days following the fall DST change, you may have a claim for compensation. However, Connecticut’s comparative fault rule provides that an injured person can recover compensation only if they are no more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Proving that another driver was impaired by fatigue, or failed to use appropriate headlights or caution in darkness, can strengthen your auto injury claim. Evidence that poor lighting made a crosswalk hazardous or that a driver’s drowsiness caused inattention may be crucial in maximizing compensation.

At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C., we can help investigate all the factors in your case, including how the time change and resulting conditions may have contributed to your harm. We have offices in Hamden and East Haven. Call us at 203-745-0942 or contact us online to discuss your rights and options.