Every March, we lose one hour of sleep when clocks move forward for Daylight Saving Time. It may not seem like much. Research shows that even one hour of lost sleep can increase crash risk, especially during the first week after the change.
If you drive daily on I-10, I-12, Airline Highway, Highway 30, or Florida Boulevard, this matters.
A 2020 study published in Current Biology analyzed more than 700,000 fatal crashes in the United States. Researchers found a 6 percent increase in fatal crashes during the week after the spring time change. The increase was most noticeable in the morning hours.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has also reported that even mild sleep loss reduces reaction time, alertness, and decision making.
Why This Matters in Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish
Drivers over 35 often juggle work, family, aging parents, and long commutes. Many already get less sleep than recommended.
Add one lost hour, and the risk rises.
Locally, consider:
- Morning congestion on I-10 near the Mississippi River Bridge
- Stop and go traffic on I-12 toward Livingston Parish
- Airline Highway through Prairieville and Gonzales
- School zones in Dutchtown, Central, and Southdowns
Related: Chris Identified the Most Dangerous Road Stretches on I-10 and I-12
Fatigue slows braking time. On crowded interstates and busy surface roads, even a small delay can cause a rear end collision or multi vehicle crash.
Louisiana crash data consistently shows thousands of injury crashes each year. The LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety tracks statewide crash patterns and trends.
Practical Tips for the First Week After the Time Change
Adjust Your Sleep Early
Start going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier for several nights before the clock change. Gradual adjustment reduces fatigue.
Give Yourself More Space
Increase following distance, especially during morning rush hour. Tired drivers often brake late.
Be Alert in Darker Mornings
For a short period, sunrise feels later. Watch carefully in school zones and residential areas.
Limit Alcohol If You Are Tired
Alcohol and sleep loss together significantly impair reaction time.
Take Fatigue Seriously
If you feel yourself drifting in your lane or missing traffic signals, pull over safely. A short rest can prevent a serious crash.
Related: Fall Back or Spring Forward which is harder to adjust?
The spring time change is temporary. The increased crash risk is also temporary. The first week is the most critical.
Drivers 35 and older often carry more responsibility on the road. Slowing down slightly, planning ahead, and prioritizing sleep during this transition can reduce risk for you and others in Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish.
