Crashes Spike Following Daylight Saving Time, Research Finds

Research from the University of Colorado Boulder shows drowsiness and darkness can cause more fatal car crashes. 

According to researchers, there is a 6% spike in crashes the week after clocks spring forward an hour, and results in 28 additional deaths a year.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster said drivers should also pay attention to the sun's position on your morning drive. 

"That's the other thing that changes with daylight saving, the sun is at a different angle, and it can be different," Foster said. "Even though it's been in the same spot on your windshield. It can be at a different angle because of the time change." 

Trooper Foster also said if you’re feeling too sleepy, then it might be a good thing to get a little bit of caffeine or just simply stop and take a rest for a moment. 

According to trooper Foster, drowsiness and the inability to quickly make decisions is very often the same thing as driving while intoxicated.