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Fatal crashes rise 6% in the week following the switch to Daylight Saving Time
OKLAHOMA CITY – March 5, 2026 – With the annual start to Daylight Saving Time (DST) set to rob drivers of an hour of sleep this Sunday, AAA is warning motorists about a hidden danger: drowsy driving contributes to far more fatal crashes than official statistics show, up to 10 times more, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The loss of sleep and darker morning hours make the days immediately after the time change especially risky.
Additionally, in the week following the change to DST, fatal crashes increase 6% in the U.S., according to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder. This rise in crashes, particularly fatal ones, is linked to factors such as sleep deprivation and disruption to the body’s internal clock.
“Drowsy driving is a far bigger safety threat than most people realize,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Losing even a single hour of sleep during the switch to Daylight Saving Time can leave drivers more impaired than they think. As we ‘spring ahead,’ it’s critical for motorists to prioritize rest and be alert to the added risks on the roads this week.”
Drowsiness impairs drivers in several ways:
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Reduced alertness: Makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of 7 hours of sleep increases a driver’s risk of crashing.
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Impaired judgment: Increases the risk of making poor decisions on the road. Sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making many ordinary mistakes, leading to crashes. Those deprived of sleep by 4+ hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC limit.
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Hazardous Microsleeps: Can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road.
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Self-Perception of Drowsiness: Previous Foundation research found that drivers often underestimate their drowsiness, putting themselves and others at risk.
So, what can you do to stay safe on the road?
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Get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.
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Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake. Avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy.
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Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and get fresh air. Plan and identify safe, comfortable places to take breaks. Don’t wait until you’re already feeling drowsy.
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Avoid heavy meals before driving. Eating a large meal can make you feel tired and sluggish.
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Avoid alcohol and drugs. Both can impair your driving ability. Besides harming driving directly, they can also amplify drowsiness.
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Listen to your body. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Don’t try to push through it.
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Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. Sharing the driving can help you stay awake and alert.
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Don’t underestimate the power of a quick nap. A 20- to 30-minute nap can significantly improve your alertness.
AAA supports the development of vehicle technology that can detect drowsiness and prevent drivers from operating a vehicle when impaired. This technology could help to save lives by preventing drowsy driving crashes.
About the AAA Foundation
Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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