Each March, when we move clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time (DST), most people focus on the longer evenings. But research shows a troubling pattern on our roads: in the week following the “spring forward” shift, fatal motor vehicle crashes increase by roughly 6%.
That’s not a coincidence — and it’s not just bad luck.
The sudden loss of one hour of sleep disrupts our internal body clock. Even a small amount of sleep deprivation can significantly affect:
Drivers are more fatigued and less alert — especially during early morning commutes, which are suddenly darker again. Reduced visibility, combined with groggy, overtired drivers, creates a dangerous mix.
In the days following the time change, we often see:
Even a brief lapse in attention can cause catastrophic harm.
When fatigue-related accidents occur, they are often high-impact and serious. Victims may suffer:
These injuries don’t just affect a person for weeks — they can change a life forever.
If another driver’s fatigue, inattention, or negligence caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for:
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — especially in crashes where fatigue played a role. But drowsy driving is dangerous driving. Drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and alertly.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident:
The sooner you protect your rights, the stronger your case may be.
At Galfand Berger LLP, we represent individuals and families harmed by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash following the Daylight Saving Time change — or at any time — we are ready to stand by your side.
Here is an example of a recent recovery:
Galfand Berger Senior Partner Michael Malvey reached a $1.25 million dollar settlement on behalf of a client who was injured when her car was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Read more here.
And remember, you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
Call our office at 1-800-222-8792 or by mail at [email protected] for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
At Galfand Berger, our personal injury attorneys have been pursuing justice for injured victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey for nearly 80 years.
