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When the clocks “spring forward” each March, New Yorkers look forward to longer days — but that lost hour of sleep can come with serious risks. Studies have shown that daylight saving time (DST) is linked to a sharp increase in car crashes, especially during the first few days after the clock change. A 2020 study in Current Biology found a 6% rise in vehicle collisions nationwide following the switch.
For drivers across Westchester County and the New York City metro area, where early-morning commutes on busy roads like the Bronx River Parkway, I-287, and the Cross Bronx Expressway are already challenging, losing even a small amount of sleep can make a dangerous difference.
Why Daylight Saving Time Increases Car Accidents
Even a one-hour sleep loss can throw off your body’s internal clock, reduce alertness, and increase fatigue. This combination leads to slower reaction times and decreased concentration — two major risk factors behind collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Other contributing factors include:
- Darker morning commutes: When sunrise comes later, visibility drops during the rush hour, especially along shaded suburban routes like Central Avenue in Yonkers or Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains.
- Sleep deprivation: Research suggests sleep-deprived drivers are as impaired as drunk drivers. The AAA Foundation estimates that fatigue plays a role in up to 18% of fatal crashes — far higher than official reports suggest.
- Circadian rhythm disruption: Your body’s internal rhythm controls alertness. Even a single hour’s disruption can lead to poor judgment behind the wheel.
Driver Fatigue and Serious Injury Claims
At highway speeds, a vehicle travels nearly 400 feet in just five seconds — enough distance for a momentary lapse to cause a life-changing crash. Victims often suffer from neck and back injuries, spinal fusions, concussions, and fractures, all of which can require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Attorney Norman Gershon has seen the devastating effects of fatigue-related crashes firsthand. With over 35 years of trial experience, he has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients injured in motor vehicle accidents, including:
- $16.5 million verdict for a Bronx passenger injured in a collision with a city bus
- $7.5 million verdict for a bus passenger with lumbar fusion
- $5 million verdict for a driver injured in a Bronx crash involving spinal damage
When exhaustion, reduced visibility, or poor road conditions lead to tragedy, you deserve an attorney who knows how to hold negligent drivers — and their insurers — accountable.
Safety Tips for Drivers During the Time Change
Preventing fatigue-related accidents starts with preparation. As daylight saving time approaches:
- Go to bed 10–15 minutes earlier each night during the week before the change
- Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep to stay alert
- Use your headlights during early-morning commutes
- Keep your windshield clean to reduce glare
- Eliminate distractions like texting, eating, or loud conversations
- If you feel tired, pull over or call a friend or rideshare instead of risking it
Pedestrians and cyclists should also wear reflective clothing and use crosswalks carefully, especially on dimly lit streets in Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.
Legal Guidance After a Daylight Saving Car Accident
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident during the daylight saving transition, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving fatigue or reduced visibility as contributing factors requires a skilled personal injury attorney with trial experience and access to expert witnesses.
Clients often describe Norman as “smart, compassionate, and relentless in the courtroom.”
“He worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected.” — Nancy Joyce
“Norman is the class of the field — smart, experienced, tough, and caring.” — Michael Benowich
From White Plains to the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, Norman Gershon has earned a reputation as the lawyer other attorneys call to try their toughest cases.
Final Thoughts
Daylight saving time is more than an inconvenience — it’s a public safety hazard that New Yorkers face each spring. Whether you’re driving through Yonkers, merging onto the Hutchinson River Parkway, or navigating early-morning city traffic, staying alert can save lives.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident during or after the daylight saving time change, don’t face the legal process alone. Put 35 years of courtroom success to work for you.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon
Serving clients across Westchester County and the New York City metropolitan area
Car Accident Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorney | Trial-Proven Results
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