In 2026, Americans will spring forward on March 8, shifting clocks ahead one hour to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Residents across both North and South Carolina will be affected by this change. With the transition, Americans lose one hour of sleep and are at an increased risk of being involved in deadly car accidents, according to researchers.
A study in the journal Current Biology found that auto accident deaths rise 6 percent in the week after the springtime change, resulting in about 28 fatal crashes per year.
Scientists say that springing forward contributes to crashes by disrupting sleep patterns, putting drowsy drivers on the roads each morning while it’s still dark. Essentially, motorists are in a state of “mini-jetlag,” where their normal sleep and wake cycles are suddenly thrown off balance.
Research shows that the increased fatal-crash risk due to the spring DST transition is highest in the morning hours, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., which researchers attribute to higher levels of driver sleepiness in the first half of the day. By the third week following the change, accident rates typically return to normal levels. Studies indicate a significant jump in road accidents immediately following the DST transition. A study reported a 16% rise in accidents on the first day and a 12% increase on the second day after the clocks changed. Typically, accident rates revert to normal levels by the third week after the time change.
This is not the first time that researchers have linked the spring shift to Daylight Saving Time with a rise in auto accidents. Several studies have shown a significant increase in crashes, especially on the Monday following the time change. In addition, the spring switch has been attributed to a spike in the number of workplace accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and even suicides.
South Carolina passed legislation in 2020 to make daylight saving time permanent, but the change cannot take effect until Congress approves it at the federal level. As of 2026, South Carolinians continue to observe the twice-yearly clock changes. A new bill (Bill 3325) was introduced in the South Carolina Legislature in January 2025, proposing that the state advance Eastern Standard Time by one hour beginning in March 2025 and permanently maintain that time with no further adjustments.
However, this bill remains pending and requires federal approval through a waiver from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Daylight Saving Time: When To Call a Lawyer
Daylight Saving Time aside, drowsy driving is already a concern for U.S. motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep behind the wheel.
According to a 2024 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, an estimated 17.6% of all fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021 involved a drowsy driver. Over those five years, an estimated 29,834 people were killed in crashes involving drowsy drivers. Nationwide, drowsy driving accounts for an estimated 6,400 fatalities each year, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Closer to home, South Carolina continues to face challenges with drowsy and fatigued driving. While fatal crashes in South Carolina fell 9% in 2024, reaching the lowest level in at least seven years, and deadly accidents are now down 18% from a 2021 peak, fatigued driving remains a significant contributing factor in the state’s collisions. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported that fatal and serious traffic crashes resulted in $30.9 billion in economic and quality-of-life costs in 2023 alone.
Sleepy drivers are dangerous drivers for several reasons:
- They are less able to pay attention to the roads.
- They have slower reflexes, causing delays in their reaction times if an emergency arises.
- They are more likely to make careless driving decisions.
- They may drift out of their lane or miss turns entirely without realizing it.
- Their impairment can mirror the effects of drunk driving, including blurred vision and poor decision-making.
Preparing Yourself To Spring Forward
Sleep experts say that there are ways to prepare yourself for the upcoming switch to DST. Tips include:
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier in the week leading up to the time change. You will need to shift your wake times as well. The Sleep Foundation recommends adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night to feel fully rested.
- Turn the lights on as soon as you wake up. Light plays a huge role in regulating your sleep and wake cycle.
- Use blackout curtains. Make your room dark and cool to help your body get into sleep mode, even if it’s light outside.
- Don’t increase your caffeine. Many people rely on caffeine to get through the morning lull, but upping your intake to cope with Daylight Saving Time could make it more difficult to get to bed at night.
- Listen to your body. If you’re too tired to get behind the wheel, don’t drive. It’s better to call in late to work or make your kids tardy for school than risk a crash.
- Keep your windshield clean. This is crucial for reducing glare and maintaining a clear line of sight, especially during darker morning commutes.
Pedestrian Safety During The Time Change
Pedestrians are also at a heightened risk during the DST transition. Studies show that adding an hour of evening sunlight year-round could save the lives of more than 170 pedestrians annually. During the first week after springing forward, pedestrians should:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or evening hours.
- Carry a flashlight if walking in darker conditions.
- Make eye contact with drivers when using crosswalks.
- Stay alert and avoid using phones or earbuds while walking near traffic.
Call if You Were Injured in A Daylight Saving Time Accident
The Rock Hill personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices represent clients who have been injured in accidents in both Carolinas. If you were in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, contact us today for a free consultation.