TZD Tuesday: The Ongoing Effects of Daylight Savings Time on Driver Fatigue

Daylight saving time may have ended last week, but its effects can linger – especially when it comes to driver fatigue. Even small disruptions to sleep patterns can lead to drowsiness, slower reaction times, and reduced awareness on the road.

Here are a few tips to help you adjust:

• Get enough sleep – Aim for at least 7-9 hours per night to stay sharp and focused.
• Stick to a routine – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help regulate your body’s clock.
• Be aware of drowsiness – If you find yourself yawning, drifting in your lane, or struggling to keep your eyes open, pull over and rest.
• Let in the light – Exposure to natural light in the morning can help reset your internal clock.
• Limit caffeine & screens before bed – Stimulants and blue light can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

Your safety, both on and off the road, is important. Stay well-rested, stay alert, and stay safe! Together we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths!