By Tyler Sutherland
A crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck in the RM of Whitemouth on Saturday, July 20, 2014. (SHAUN McLEOD / FOR CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — Having one hour of less sleep may put you at risk for having a car accident, the province’s auto insurer says.
With daylight saving time on Sunday morning, Manitoba Public Insurance says 2014 data shows an increase of 20 percent in collisions on the Monday following the change.
“The data suggests there can be an affect on drivers when the clocks move forward one hour,” said MaryAnn Kempe of MPI.
“On the Monday following DST, there were 300 collisions reported, compared to an average of 249 for all other Mondays that year. By raising awareness about this issue, we’re hoping motorists will take the proper steps to ensure they are fully rested and alert when behind the wheel.”
MPI offers up these tips to handle the hour change:
- Set your alarm to wake up a little earlier than usual on the Saturday and Sunday before the DST switch. This makes it easier to get out of bed on Monday morning.
- Eat a healthy breakfast first thing in the morning. Food also tells your body it is the start of the day.
- Spend time in well-lit rooms – or outside in sunlight – to help your body clock properly adjust
Clocks “spring ahead” at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.
