Daylight savings was implemented the concept was invented in the early 1900’s by Germans in an attempt to converse energy resources. Currently only three places in the United States don’t observe Daylight savings (Arizona, Hawaii, and a county in Colorado.) I spent most of my childhood in Arizona so I have never been a fan of the whole process. Whether you agree or disagree that we still need it, the fact is that this Sunday we all lose an hour when we set our clocks ahead 1 hour and “spring forward.”
Why is the Safety Manager blogging about Daylight savings? Because there are safety issues that surround it. Losing an hour of sleep can have negative effects on a person. In fact studies have shown that there is a spike in the number of heart attacks in the days following the time change. Plus the number of traffic accidents rise in the days following the time change.
To combat this try to get to bed a little early Sunday night. Also be aware of others on the road this coming Monday and Tuesday morning as your fellow commuters may be a bit out of it.
Maybe someday we will do away with what I feel is an antiquated practice, but for now take care and be careful in the days following the time change.
