With Daylight Saving Time coming this weekend, drivers should get more rest before hitting the road.
On Sunday morning, the clock will go forward by one hour, with more light in the evening and less light in the morning.
Road Safety at Work says the change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to drivers feeling fatigued, increasing the risk of vehicle crashes.
Program Director of Road Safety Trace Acres says even minor fatigue can have major consequences for those behind the wheel.
“We’re not as alert, we’re slower to react, we don’t judge distance or recognize hazards as well as we usually do, and our decision making is compromised,” said Acres.
Road Safety adds fatigued drivers pose a risk to not only themselves, but also other drivers, and road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
In the build-up to the time change, you are encouraged to sleep 15 to 20 minutes early, postpone driving when feeling very fatigued, recognize signs of fatigue like frequent yawning, struggling to focus, or drifting into other lanes, drive when you are at your most alert, take breaks, and stay hydrated.
Daylight saving runs from Sunday, March 9, to Sunday, November 2.
– Files from My Kootenay Now staff
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