Study: Car Accidents, Traffic Fatalities Rise First Week Of Daylight Saving Time
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Now that Daylight Saving Time is here, be careful when you hit the roads.
A study by the University of British Columbia found the number of car accidents and traffic fatalities climbs in the first week after clocks spring forward.
On an average week, about 800 people die in car crashes nationwide, but that number will reach around 900 this week, Sam "Gridlock Sam" Schwartz said in a press release.
Experts said it's the change in sleep patterns that affects people's driving.
"Instead of getting the usual eight, they may get seven hours; they may be a little bit grumpier, but also they're not quite as alert," Schwartz told 1010 WINS. "So the accumulation of millions of drivers who didn't get a full night's sleep results in more crashes."
Some motorists in Rutherford, New Jersey were trying to fight off drowsiness Monday morning.
"I don't like it, I'm losing sleep," one driver told 1010 WINS' John Montone.
"Today is a very defensive driving day," a truck driver said.
Experts recommend getting extra sleep and, if possible, try to get to work a little later than usual.