PennDOT Offers Daylight Savings Time Safety Tips for Drivers
Dunmore – Daylight-savings time begins this Sunday, March 14 at 2 a.m. and this one-hour difference in time changes the daylight pattern for drivers and can throw some motorists off their schedules.
Losing one hour can lead to drowsiness, which is potentially dangerous when operating a motor vehicle.
To help drivers be as safe as possible during the change to daylight-saving time, PennDOT recommends the following tips:
- Plan to get at least eight hours of sleep Saturday night (or more if you are already tired).
- Adjust your sleep pattern to the time change. Go to bed one half hour earlier than your normal weekday bedtime on Saturday night and sleep at least one half hour later on Sunday morning.
- If you need more sleep, plan to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon, but not after 4 p.m., as this is too close to bedtime and can disrupt your nighttime sleep.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods in the afternoon and evening.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol too close to bedtime.
- On Sunday night, go to bed early enough to get at least eight hours of sleep.
- Read labels carefully on over-the-counter medicines for warnings such as "may cause drowsiness" or "avoid driving a motor vehicle” and opt for a non-sedating alternative if possible.
- Be aware that coffee or other sources of caffeine are short-term stimulants.
- If a prescription medication causes drowsiness, ask your doctor if non-sedating alternatives are available. If a non-sedating alternative is not available, use caution -- don't drive, or use a designated driver.
- Take breaks during long trips. Get out and stretch about once every two hours. Sleepy drivers are encourage to quickly find a safe place to pull off the road and either switch drivers or rest.
