Each spring, Americans “spring forward” and give up one hour of sleep. For many, it’s an annoying but forgettable ritual. For others, especially those on the road during early morning commutes, it’s a hazard that could prove deadly.
The Texas Law Dog recently examined this issue in a detailed study analyzing how the shift to Daylight Saving Time (DST) affects road safety across the United States. Their research uncovered clear evidence that the springtime change isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.
What’s most alarming is how quickly the consequences show up. In the days immediately following the clock change, fatal crash rates jump significantly. Drivers who are already coping with hectic schedules are suddenly doing so with less sleep and darker roads. In fact, crash rates spike by as much as 6% nationwide in the first week alone.
The risks are even worse in certain parts of the country. Those living on the western edge of their time zones, like much of West Texas, are hit hardest, with fatal crash rates climbing up to 8%. That’s because the sunrise comes even later there, leaving more drivers on the road in total darkness and running on fewer hours of rest.
The Texas Law Dog’s findings break the problem down into hard numbers: about 28 lives are lost each year due to the effects of DST-related drowsy driving. Most of these fatalities occur during morning hours between 4 and 8 a.m. times when the sleep shift is most disruptive.
But it’s not just the roads that suffer. The study also links the springtime change to broader public health issues, including a dramatic rise in heart attacks, up 24% on the Monday after the transition. Insurance claims, too, spike in the following days, suggesting that the financial costs of this annual practice ripple far beyond the highway.
Unlike the spring transition, the fall shift back to Standard Time shows no comparable surge in accidents or health emergencies. This contrast makes it difficult to argue that Daylight Saving Time delivers enough benefits to outweigh the risks.
While various states have floated legislation to eliminate DST or stay on a single time year-round, most proposals have stalled. Yet the growing body of evidence from sources like NHTSA and academic journals continues to mount. The Texas Law Dog’s study adds a vital voice to the conversation, combining national data with localized analysis to better understand the consequences Texans face each year.
In a state where driving is central to daily life and commutes often stretch long distances, even small changes in alertness and visibility can have deadly outcomes. Eliminating the spring clock change might seem like a small tweak in policy, but for some families, it could mean everything.
As lawmakers reconsider the value of Daylight-Saving Time, the message from this research is clear: safety should come first. The Texas Law Dog’s report is more than just a study; it’s a call to action.
