Losing an hour of sleep during this weekend’s spring time change may seem minor, but road safety experts warn the effects can linger and increase the risk of crashes for several days.
Road Safety at Work says even small disruptions to sleep can lead to accumulating fatigue, reducing driver alertness and reaction time. According to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia statistics, an average of 513 people are injured or killed in fatigue-related crashes in B.C. each year.
The concern is particularly relevant for the hundreds of thousands of B.C. residents who drive as part of their job. Tradespeople travelling to early job sites, sales staff covering large territories and delivery drivers working tight schedules may be especially vulnerable to fatigue after the clock change.
Many drivers assume the risk is limited to the first workday after daylight time begins, said Trace Acres, a spokesperson for Road Safety at Work.
“But fatigue doesn’t reset overnight. Even small disruptions to sleep can accumulate, affecting reaction time, judgment, and attention for days afterward.”
Drivers may also overestimate how quickly their bodies adjust to the new schedule.
Seasonal changes can add to that false confidence. Longer daylight hours and milder weather may make driving conditions feel easier, even when fatigue is still affecting concentration.
When roads appear clear and the days grow brighter, drivers may be less focused on the task of driving. However, fatigue remains a risk even in favourable conditions.
“In fact, feeling ‘fine’ is often when drivers take more risks,” Acres said.
Fatigue can slow how drivers process information on the road and affect their judgment of distance, speed and timing. It can also make common spring hazards more dangerous, including glare from low-angle sunlight, wet pavement, increased pedestrian and cyclist activity and heavier traffic as more people spend time outdoors.
Road Safety at Work advises drivers to treat the week after the time change as a higher-risk period rather than assuming the adjustment will take only a day. Getting enough sleep, honestly assessing alertness and driving more cautiously can help reduce the risk.
Give yourself permission to slow down, Acres said.
“Getting to your destination safely is what matters.”
Employers also play a role in managing fatigue risk when driving is part of the job. Road Safety at Work offers guidance to help employers and workers reduce fatigue-related risks behind the wheel.
