Did you know that auto insurance claims tend to go up 20% during daylight savings time? Whether we are springing forward or falling back, the time change of the sunrise and sunset can have large impacts with insurance. Let’s explain what may cause this.
Change in Sleep Patterns
When the time changes, we are also adjusting our body clocks. When our daily routine has a shift, it can affect things in our everyday life that we may not think about. It can also cause people to feel tired, or anxious, which can have an impact on driving abilities.
If you are feeling sleepy or restless while driving, you are not shifting your entire focus to driving and your surroundings. More people tend to experience these feelings during daylight savings time. This is raising the chances of accidents happening wherever people drive.
Reminder - If you feel drowsy while driving, please pull over and rest until you feel you can safely make it to your destination.
Glare Spots on the Road
When driving, have you ever experienced the difficulty of driving through a bad glare? So bad, it forces you to not be able to see where you are going? Especially if there is heavier traffic on the roads. The sudden change in light conditions differs from what you are used to.
Since daylight savings time impacts the time that the sun rises and sets, this can affect the commute of many.
In some places, they have active sun glare safety closures. This is put in place because the reflection is so extreme. These closures also cause heavy traffic, and erratic driving behaviors. This is a common thing near Floyd Hill on Colorado’s iconic I-70.
Getting Dark Earlier
Driving in the dark can be an issue for some people, especially if you are an individual with vision problems. When we turn the clocks back in the fall, the sun sets before many people are off work. During rush hour, this can increase the amount of accidents happening on the road.
If you are someone that does not like driving at night due to poor vision, try visiting an eye doctor. As we age, there are common changes that can impact driving. If properly diagnosed, your vision can improve, making you feel safe.
According to Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, “more than 40% of fatal car accidents occur at night, despite 60% less traffic on the roads”. This statistic urges you to use caution when driving in the dark.
What to do After a Car Accident
If you are in an accident, be sure to follow these steps:
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Collect Information: You will need to exchange drivers licenses, insurance cards, license plate numbers, and the time and date of accident.
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Document the Scene: It is very important to take pictures of all damage. This assures that all of the information reported is as accurate as possible.
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Notify Police: The only way to obtain an official accident report is by reaching out to the police. Accident reports are very important, especially if the damage is more extreme
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Seek Medical Attention: Depending on the severity of the accident, seek medical attention. When adrenaline wears off, you may realize your injuries are worse.
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Call Insurance Company: You must notify your insurance company, even if you are not at fault.
Insurance can be confusing, so we are here to help! If you would like to learn more about auto insurance, get a quote, or have questions about your policy, fill out the form below. One of our agents will reach out to you shortly. You can also call us at (303) 279-9700.