Daylight saving time (DST) is a twice-yearly ritual that disrupts our schedules by shifting the clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. While the idea behind DST is to maximize daylight hours, studies show that this shift has unintended consequences—especially on the road. Daylight savings car accidents spike immediately after the time change, putting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at greater risk.

If you live in Arvada, Denver, or Wheat Ridge, CO, and have experienced an accident during daylight savings, it’s crucial to understand why this happens and how chiropractic care can help if you’ve sustained injuries. Learn why daylight savings time car accidents increase, their causes, and most importantly, how to stay safe and take control of your health.

The Startling Link Between Daylight Savings and Car Accidents

Several studies have confirmed that car accidents increase following daylight saving time. For instance, in 2020, there was a 6% increase in fatal car accidents on the Monday after DST begins. The reasons behind this surge include:

1. Sleep Deprivation and Driver Fatigue

We lose an hour of sleep when the clocks move forward in March. While one hour may not seem like much, even a small amount of sleep loss can significantly impact reaction time, attention span, and decision-making ability. Studies show that sleep-deprived drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers due to delayed reflexes and impaired judgment.

Research shows a 6% increase in fatal car accidents on the Monday after DST begins. Sleep deprivation leads to drowsy driving, which is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the U.S.

2. Darker Mornings and Reduced Visibility

With the time change, mornings become darker. This means commuters who are used to driving in daylight suddenly find themselves navigating dimly lit roads, fog, and increased glare from headlights. Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to see, increasing the risk of collisions.

3. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions

Your body’s internal clock—known as the circadian rhythm—regulates sleep and wake cycles. Disrupting this rhythm can cause grogginess and slower cognitive function, making early morning and late evening driving more dangerous after DST adjustments.

4. Rush Hour Risks

After the fall back time change in November, evenings become darker sooner. This means more people are driving home from work in the dark, which can lead to increased accidents due to reduced visibility and driver fatigue from a long day.

Who Is Most at Risk for Daylight Savings Car Accidents?

Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to car accidents immediately after daylight saving time changes, including:

  • Early morning commuters adjusting to darker mornings
  • Drowsy drivers who haven’t adapted to the time change
  • Elderly drivers who rely on strong visual cues for safe driving
  • Teens and new drivers with less experience adjusting to driving in different light conditions
  • Pedestrians and cyclists who may be less visible in darker hours

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Daylight Savings Car Accident

Although DST certainly doe present some challenges, here are some steps to minimize the risk:

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier each night, leading up to the time change, to help your body adjust gradually.

2. Be Extra Cautious on the Road

Drive slower, stay alert for drowsy drivers, and increase your following distance to allow for slower reaction times.

3. Use High-Quality Headlights

Ensure your car’s headlights and taillights are working properly to help you see better and improve your visibility to other drivers. Be sure that your headlights are also adjusted properly so you aren’t blinding oncoming traffic with poor positioned headlights.

4. Avoid Distracted Driving

Put your phone away and focus on the road. Accidents can happen in a split second, especially when fatigue is involved.

5. Prioritize Post-Accident Recovery

If you do get into an accident, seeking chiropractic care is an extremely important step to ensure proper healing minimal downtime after your auto, truck, or motorcycle accident. Chiropractic care is effective in treating common injuries such as whiplash, back pain, and headaches, providing you with the reassurance that you’re in good hands.

Daylight Savings Car AccidentsChiropractic Care for Injuries from Daylight Savings Car Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a daylight savings car accident, even a minor one, you may experience pain and stiffness in the days following the crash. Chiropractic care can be an essential part of your recovery. Here’s how:

1. Whiplash Treatment

The sudden force of a collision can cause whiplash, a condition where the neck is jerked forward and backward rapidly. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and muscle stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing.

2. Pain Relief Without Medications

Pain medications may temporarily mask symptoms, but chiropractic care addresses the root cause of pain through spinal adjustments, muscle therapy, and rehabilitative exercises.

3. Improved Mobility and Range of Motion

If your back or neck feels stiff after an accident, chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and flexibility, reducing long-term complications.

4. Concussion & Headache Relief

Car accidents—even minor fender benders—can lead to post-concussion symptoms like headaches and dizziness. Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and dry needling, will all help alleviate these symptoms and promote faster recovery.

5. Faster Recovery

Remember, the sooner you seek treatment, the quicker you’ll recover. Your health is our priority, so don’t wait until your pain worsens—schedule a chiropractic evaluation immediately after an accident and let us take care of the rest.

Don’t Let Injuries From Daylight Savings Car Accidents Cause Long Term Disability

If you or someone you love has been in a daylight savings time car accident, don’t ignore symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, or headaches. Our Integrative Health and Rehabilitation team in Arvada, Denver, and Wheat Ridge, CO, specializes in post-accident chiropractic care to help you heal naturally.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Daylight savings time disrupts more than just our sleep schedules—it increases the risk of car accidents due to drowsy driving, reduced visibility, and disrupted circadian rhythms. While you can take precautions to stay safe, accidents still happen. If you’ve been in a daylight savings car accident, chiropractic care can help you recover and prevent long-term pain.

At Integrative Health and Rehabilitation, we’re here to help you heal naturally and safely. Don’t wait until pain sets in, protect your health and get back to feeling your best. Contact us to book an appointment by calling (303) 424-7171 or emailing info@ihrdenver.com. If you’re ready to get started right away, you can schedule directly online.