Daylight saving time begins 2 a.m. Sunday, which means it’s time to set our clocks forward an hour to welcome longer days as the warm season progresses — and unfortunately, lose an hour of precious sleep.
“Springing ahead” means you may wake up feeling more tired than usual. During this time, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding the public to "rest up" before the Monday morning commute.
According to a 2020 study by the University of Colorado Boulder, fatal car crashes that year spiked by 6% during the workweek the spring time change, resulting in an additional 28 deaths a year.
Colorado DMV has offered warning signs to stay safe. Notice if:
• You're finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids.
• Starting to daydream and having disconnected thoughts.
• Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven.
• Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs.
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes.
• Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off.
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a shoulder rumble strip.
• Feeling restless and irritable or becoming aggravated with common annoyances such as sitting in traffic.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, if you find yourself running on six hours of sleep or less, your chances of falling asleep at the wheel triple. The foundation also said drivers under 25, shift workers or individuals working long hours, commercial drivers and business travelers fall into the category of being at risk for sleep-deprived driving.
Additionally, the DMV recommends planning trips ahead and driving with a friend during long road trips to help monitor for signs of drowsy driving. The department said if you find yourself feeling fatigued at the wheel, pull over and get some rest before continuing.
For more information and resources on preventing drowsy driving, click or tap here.
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