Spring Forward: The Hidden Danger of the “Lost Hour”
When we “spring forward” for Daylight Saving Time on March 8th, most of us think about extra evening sunlight. But that lost hour of sleep has a real impact on road safety. Studies show a noticeable increase in traffic accidents the Monday after the time change due to driver fatigue.
Why the “Lost Hour” Matters:
-Internal Clock: Your body doesn’t reset instantly; it takes days to acclimate.
-Morning Commute: Drivers are often more tired, distracted, or rushing during the first few days of the change.
-Impaired Driving: Drowsy driving is impaired driving. If you wouldn’t drive after a few drinks, you shouldn’t drive when struggling to stay awake.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Family:
-Shift Bedtime Early: Go to bed 15–20 minutes earlier each night for 3–4 nights before the change.
-Prioritize Rest: Avoid screens and caffeine before bed to ensure high-quality sleep.
-Take it Easy Monday: Give yourself extra time to get out the door to avoid the urge to rush or speed.
-Watch for Pedestrians: Morning routes may now be darker, significantly reducing visibility in school zones and neighborhoods.
Spring Break: Road Trip Safety with Kids
Whether you’re headed to the Gulf Coast, Hill Country, or Skiing in Taos, traveling with children adds an extra layer of distraction. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver.
Tips for a Safer Trip:
-The “Co-Pilot” Rule: Have the passenger handle all snacks, navigation, and “Are we there yet?” inquiries so the driver stays 100% focused.
-Secure the Cargo: Ensure car seats are tightly installed and heavy luggage is secured—loose items can become dangerous projectiles in a sudden stop.
-Beat the Boredom: Distracted kids lead to distracted parents. Keep everyone engaged without the screen-glare headache.
Download Our Free Screen-Free Car Games Guide
Keep the kids engaged and the driver focused with these classic, interactive road trip games.
Always Alert for You
While the rest of the world might be feeling the “lost hour” this month, the team at Frenkel & Frenkel is always alert and ready to fight for you. We know that accidents don’t take a break, and neither do we.
If you or a loved one is injured this spring, you need a team that is wide awake to the tactics of insurance companies. We are here to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery. If you know someone who needs a firm that never misses a detail, please share our name—we are always ready to step in.
When You Need Us, Our Team Works Hard For You.
Maggie with Frenkel & Frenkel was very helpful/empathetic thru the whole process explaining all the steps and details. followed up with updates and also just to check on my well being. Also dealt with the insurance adjuster in which they are a pain to deal with! Most definitely recommend this firm to anyone dealing with auto accident.
Thank you, Hector L.