Daylight Saving Time Doubles Number of Car Accidents in North and South Carolina
Author: Auger Law | November 5th, 2021
In the week that follows Daylight Saving Time, Carolina drivers must remain alert as roads become more dangerous.
This Sunday, November 7, Daylight Saving Time ends, which means we’ll get an extra hour of sleep. But before you get too excited about a little extra snooze time, you should know that Daylight Saving Time has a dark side.
When the clocks spring forward and fall back each year, it’s only by an hour, but research shows that it takes days to adjust to the new time difference. And during this adjustment period, there is a spike in car accidents, especially after we “fall back” and roadways become darker.
The dark side of Daylight Saving Time in the Carolinas
In a 2021 study by a leading insurance company, North Carolina ranked #4 on the list of worst states for Daylight Saving Time fatal crashes. Why? North Carolina has a lot of rural and winding roadways with limited visibility. North Carolina also has one of the highest rates of deer collisions, with North Carolina drivers having a 1 in 75 chance of colliding with an animal while on the road. The risk of hitting a deer in North Carolina nearly triples in the darker months of November and December.
But not only do North Carolina residents have to adjust to darker roadways and greater risks of deer collisions, the end of Daylight Saving Time also means inclement fall and winter weather, such as sleet or snow.
While South Carolina did not make the list of the top 10 worst states for Daylight Saving Time fatal crashes, the state does experience a considerable spike in car accidents in the week that follows the time change. New research shows that fatal car accidents in South Carolina increase by 6 percent in the week following Daylight Saving Time. Why? For the same reasons mentioned above: darker roadways, reduced visibility, greater risks of animal collisions, and inclement fall and winter weather.
How to lower your risk of an accident
Daylight Saving Time poses a danger to everyone on the road, not just drivers. Bicyclists and pedestrians should also remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Drivers can keep themselves and others safe by remembering to:
- Following the speed limit
- Maintain a safe distance between you and others on the road
- Always use your headlights during early morning and evening hours
- Keep vehicle headlights and windows (inside and out) clean
- Do not use high beams when other cars or pedestrians are around
- Yield to pedestrians
Pedestrians and bicyclists can keep themselves and others save by remembering to:
- Avoid listening to music so you can hear nearby traffic
- Avoid roads without sidewalks or bicycle lanes
- Do not jaywalk
- Use street corners to enter the crosswalk rather than crossing on a diagonal
- Walk facing traffic if a road does not have a sidewalk
- Wear reflective clothing and use a flashlight
What to do if you have been injured in a car accident in North or South Carolina
Call Auger & Auger immediately at 800-559-5741
The actions you take after a car accident can have a huge impact on your claim. If you have been injured in a car accident in North or South Carolina that was not your fault, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Auger & Auger immediately.
For over 20 years, Auger & Auger has helped thousands of accident victims and their families throughout North and South Carolina. We understand how stressful an accident can be, and we are committed to taking the pressure off you. While you focus on your recovery, we will handle every detail of your injury claim. Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive.
Learn more about how Auger & Auger can help you by requesting a FREE case review.
Call 800-559-5741 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with our experienced personal injury attorneys.
