The Naval Safety Center reminds you to spring forward, Sunday, March 10. Daylight Saving Time for 2019 begins at 2 a.m. We lose an hour of sleep when 2 a.m. becomes 3 a.m., and while some love gaining the extra hour of afternoon daylight, many don’t enjoy losing their sleep and are unaware of the safety concerns associated.

With sleep patterns interrupted by the time change, drivers could be tired or drowsy as they commute, a danger highlighted by the week of March 3-10 being National Sleep Awareness Week, reminding us of the importance and benefits of optimal sleep and how it affects health, well-being and safety.

With the time change drivers need to be aware of how this will impact their driving habits. Some drivers may suddenly find themselves driving into the sun, and there may be more glare during commuting hours. Make sure you’ve got a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle, and leave more following room between you and the vehicle in front of you. When the sun is in your eyes, it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing.  

Changing the clocks is a good time to remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire safety officials recommend changing those batteries at least once a year and replacing the detectors every 10 years, even if they’re hard-wired.

Drivers should also remember these additional safety tips:

•             Never drive distracted.

•             In the morning be especially watchful for pedestrians when backing up.

•             Always turn on your headlights to make the vehicle more visible.

•             Watch out for children and others who are outdoors in the brighter evening hours.

•             Remember to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

•             Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

The time change isn’t all gloom and doom – it’s a signal for warmer days ahead. Continue to be safe in your everyday activities and don’t take the time change lightly.  

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