The Week After “Spring Forward” Brings a Spike in Fatal Crashes

Each March, when we move clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time (DST), most people focus on the longer evenings. But research shows a troubling pattern on our roads: in the week following the “spring forward” shift, fatal motor vehicle crashes increase by roughly 6%.

That’s not a coincidence — and it’s not just bad luck.  

Why Do Crashes Increase After DST?

The sudden loss of one hour of sleep disrupts our internal body clock. Even a small amount of sleep deprivation can significantly affect:

• Reaction time
• Decision-making
• Attention and focus
• Judgment behind the wheel

Drivers are more fatigued and less alert — especially during early morning commutes, which are suddenly darker again. Reduced visibility, combined with groggy, overtired drivers, creates a dangerous mix.

The Types of Accidents We See

In the days following the time change, we often see:

• Rear-end collisions caused by delayed braking
• Intersection crashes from missed traffic signals
• Head-on collisions due to lane drift
• Pedestrian accidents during darker morning hours
• Commercial vehicle crashes involving fatigued drivers

Even a brief lapse in attention can cause catastrophic harm.

Common Injuries After DST-Related Crashes

When fatigue-related accidents occur, they are often high-impact and serious. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries

• • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Permanent disability

• Wrongful death

These injuries don’t just affect a person for weeks — they can change a life forever.

If You’ve Been Injured, You Have Rights

If another driver’s fatigue, inattention, or negligence caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Property damage

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — especially in crashes where fatigue played a role. But drowsy driving is dangerous driving. Drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and alertly.

What To Do After a Crash

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident:

1. Seek medical care immediately.
2. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
3. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
4. Contact a Galfand Berger personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The sooner you protect your rights, the stronger your case may be.

We’re Here to Help

At Galfand Berger LLP, we represent individuals and families harmed by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash following the Daylight Saving Time change — or at any time — we are ready to stand by your side.

Here is an example of a recent recovery:

Galfand Berger Senior Partner Michael Malvey reached a $1.25 million dollar settlement on behalf of a client who was injured when her car was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Berks County, Pennsylvania.  Read more here.

And remember, you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

Call our office at 1-800-222-8792 or by mail at [email protected] for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.