Vandalia Health Warns of Increased Risk of Drowsy Driving with Daylight Saving Time Change

As West Virginians prepare to “spring forward” an hour this Sunday, Vandalia Health is reminding the community about the dangers of drowsy driving and its potential impact on public health and safety.

A 20-year study published in Current Biology analyzed over 732,000 car crashes and found a 6 percent increase in fatal crashes during the week following the switch to Daylight Saving Time.

“The shift in time alters both daylight hours and sleep schedules and heightens the risk of drowsy driving, which can potentially lead to hazardous crashes,” said Chris Edwards, MD, Emergency Services Director of Mon Health System and Chief Administrative Officer of Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital. “Although it’s just a one-hour change, many individuals experience a disruption comparable to jet lag, which can take several days to overcome.”

According to AAA, common symptoms of drowsy driving include:

• Trouble keeping eyes open
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane
• Inability to recall the last few miles driven
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Daydreaming or having wandering thoughts

“To protect yourself and others, we urge all drivers to take extra precautions, get adequate rest and remain vigilant on the road. Pay extra attention near schools, especially in the mornings,” Dr. Edwards said. “With the clocks moving forward, it will remain darker later into the morning, when children are making their way to school.”