Why Are There More Accidents When The Clocks Fall Back?

The changing of the clocks is a bi-annual tradition that we all must follow. Growing up, we learned the saying “Fall back and Spring forward” to memorize which way the clocks should be turned when the time came. Even though most of us don’t understand the reasoning behind Daylight Savings Time, it is a ritual we all must deal with. When it comes to driving after the clock changes, there are some safety concerns that we all should understand before we get behind the wheel. Your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road is at risk. At Robert Bates & Associates, we want to make sure everyone is safe during this coming winter.

It Gets Dark Sooner

One of the main problems with the moving of the clocks in the fall is that it gets darker sooner. Then, to add insult to injury, the clocks are moved back, making it darker even sooner. Many people, particularly the elderly, have trouble driving in the dark. But there are things that can be done to help this problem:

● Make sure your vehicle’s lights are working properly and use them often.

● Clean your windshield (outside and inside) to make sure there’s no dusty film on it that would limit visibility.

● Cut down on the glare from ongoing lights and street signs by having light colored sunglasses readily handled.

● Most rear-view mirrors have a dimming function that lowers the light you see from cars behind you.

● Speak to your eye doctor about the glare issue and purchase glasses that help reduce glare.

● If possible, leave early when it’s still light out.

● If driving at night is an issue, have someone else drive you.

● Keep a regular sleep schedule. With the time change, people tend to switch up their sleep schedules. This could make it harder to drive when it’s dark, either in the evening or in the morning.

Prepare for Winter Weather

With the quickly approaching fall weather, this is a good time to talk about preparing your vehicle for driving in colder, winter weather conditions. It can be pretty dangerous, especially if you’re driving in the early morning or at night, when temperatures usually drop. Of the 1.2 million weather-related car accidents that occur every year in the United States, 29 percent take place on icy, snowy, or slushy pavement, and 18 percent occur while snow or sleet is falling. Specifically in Tennessee, there are on average 27 winter weather related car accident fatalities every year in the state.

There are many things that can be done that will make it safer for you and your passengers when driving in wintery, icy, and wet weather. Here are some things to focus on:

● Check your tire tread. If your tires are getting too smooth, it’s time to get new tires.

● Check your tires’ air pressure. Most gas stations and mini-marts have air pumps that are either free to use or just cost a quarter.

● If you live in a region that has a significant amount of snow, consider snow tires.

● Consider purchasing a 4-wheel drive vehicle or, at least, a vehicle that has all wheel drive.

● If the roads are going to be slick or slippery, just stay home if possible. The best way to avoid an accident is to not be on the roads.

● If you can’t stay home, drive slow. Most weather related car and truck accidents are caused by people driving too fast for the condition of the roads, and unable to stop. It’s very easy to lose control of your vehicle on ice covered roads.

● Watch out for black ice.

● When driving on the highway, don’t use cruise control. If you use cruise control, you have less “feel” on how your vehicle is reacting to the road surface. Also, you would not be able to stop in time when faced with a sudden emergency.

● If you have to attempt to stop on slippery roads, don’t slam on your breaks. This will cause your car to fish-tail and skid. You want to pump your breaks and gently slow down.

If you have been seriously injured in a car or truck accident in Tennessee, contact us at Robert Bates & Associates.

Robert BatesRobert is a Kingsport trial lawyer who handles car, truck and motorcycle wreck cases across the Tri-Cities. Every client gets his cell number.