Turning the Clocks Back and Driver/Pedestrian Safety

This weekend, we turn the clocks back one hour. While the hour of extra sleep sounds welcoming, the time change does affect your mental health, physical health and even driving habits.

What Are the Effects of the Time Change?

Though the fall time change may not seem as difficult as "springing forward" in March, it still comes with some side effects. You may not be losing an hour of sleep, but your sleep quality may be altered and you may feel groggy and less alert.

Research finds that the one hour time change really does affect the body, your health and even driving habits and traffic safety. The weeks after Daylight Saving Time ends are historically some of the most dangerous weeks for pedestrians. With less hours of sunlight, drivers are forced to become accustomed to a darker commute to and from work.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that the one hour time change seems to impact the number of pedestrians killed by motorists in the immediate aftermath of the return to standard time in the fall. It was found that pedestrians who were walking during rush hour in the first few weeks after turning back the clocks were more than 3 times as likely to be fatally struck and this number increased after 6pm after the clocks had changed. The researchers felt that this occurred because both drivers and pedestrians were used to months of more daylight and do not immediately adjust their driving/walking behaviours.

The time change is also challenging for people who experience insomnia as any time change affects the body's circadian rhythm (internal clock) and can cause further sleep difficulties. Treatment for insomnia involves getting someone on a regular sleep schedule and this acts as an interruption.

As well, time changes can affect mood and people who experience seasonal affective disorder may have more symptoms of depression due to the shortened hours of daylight.

What Types of Injuries Occur?

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist. 

Common injuries that can arise as a result of a car accident include:

• whiplash/neck strain/sprain
• back pain
• soft tissue injuries to multiple areas of the body
• chronic pain
• concussion/traumatic brain injury
• fractures (sometimes requiring surgery)
• spinal cord injuries
• psychological symptoms that lead to a diagnosis (i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD)
  

Tips for Coping with Time Change

The time change can have an impact on your mental and physical wellbeing.

Here are some ideas for how to lessen the effects of the return to standard time.

• If you can, gradually transition your body to the "new time" by going to bed a bit later each day until you are used to the one hour time difference
• Try to keep your sleep schedule as regular as possible (keep your wakeup time/bed time the same)
• Get some morning sunlight - many experts believe that exposure to the light will help to "synchronize" your internal clock
• Avoid napping - this can throw off your sleep schedule
• Stick to your regular eating pattern - food can also help to synchronize your body's internal clock

Staying Safe

Here are some tips for staying safe!

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Be seen: Cross at marked intersections where possible. You can also make yourself visible to drivers and have an item of clothing with a reflective strip on it.
• Listen up: Consider pausing/turning down the music when crossing the street so you can hear cars coming.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Have a sense of what is around you. If you are wearing a hood, make sure you can still see oncoming traffic, or lower your hood while crossing so you can see any cars that are turning.
• Don't be distracted: Put down the phone while you are crossing.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Avoid the distractions: Always avoid distracted driving (including using your phone, any handheld device, snacking etc.).
• Car maintenance: Make sure your car is in good working order (headlights, brakes, horn etc.).
• Turn your lights on: Turn on your car’s full lighting system (headlights) so pedestrians can see you.
• Check the intersection: Before you proceed through or turn at an intersection, make sure there are no pedestrians starting to cross.
• Don’t Rush: Leave yourself extra time to get to your destination.

When Should I Consult A Lawyer?

If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist or driver, you may be wondering about your legal rights and obligations and the types of compensation you may be entitled to.

In Ontario, you are able to pursue a claim against the at fault party (known as a tort claim) and you are able to apply for benefits through your own insurance company (known as Statutory Accident Benefits a.k.a. accident benefits). Our lawyers are able to assist you with both types of claims.

It is important to note that there are limitation periods (deadlines) that apply so you want to make sure to contact a lawyer as soon as possible if you intend to commence a legal action. In Ontario, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a lawsuit. You also should submit the application for accident benefits as soon as possible so you can start receiving benefits.

In a tort claim, you can seek compensation for lost wages, out of pocket expenses and general damages. In an accident benefits claim, you may be entitled to medical/rehabilitation benefits, income replacement benefits and attendant care benefits, depending on the severity of your injuries.

Our lawyers have helped many clients who have been injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents. We offer a free initial consultation and are able to meet with you at a date and time of your choosing. We are able to offer consultations via telephone and Zoom/videoconference and arrange for convenient document signing via DocuSign.