This weekend winter time is introduced. We have all set our clocks back an hour, so that it gets dark earlier and the sun rises earlier in the morning. The objective is to take advantage of more sunlight, since the number of hours of light in winter is up to six hours less than in summer.
Does this time change affect driving? Well yes, in exactly the same way that our habits are modified, there are consequences in any activity that requires concentration such as driving, where capacity can be reduced during the first weeks. In this situation we must take into account several aspects:
Pay more attention
The body is affected (there are some more and some less) and rest is worse. With fatigue, reaction times to unexpected events increase, it is easier to make mistakes and distractions increase.
The best thing in these first days or weeks is to try to maintain some proper rest habitsto combat time change effectively. There are people who try to modify sleeping habits beforehand. It is ideal, but not everyone can do it, of course. We leave you a trick: intense exercise also speeds up adaptation to the new schedule.
Do not abuse stimulants such as caffeinated drinks. Although the consumption of coffee or similar drinks helps alleviate lack of sleep, with an excess dose it increases irascibility, when driving it is necessary to remain calm. And be careful if you are prone to suffering from migraines or stress: these days you are usually more prone to having episodes of pain.
You may consider that the time change does not affect you. You may be right, but there are other drivers who are. It is time to raise the level of attention and increase the safety distance a little in case something happens. It never hurts.
Light changes
In addition to the biological clock, the time change influences the hours of daylight we have. Now it is easier to have to drive in low sun, so it doesn’t hurt to have sunglasses in the car and clean car windows. There is nothing more blinding than the low sun hitting a dirty windshield.
It is also key to know how to use the car lights. Since August 2012, it has been mandatory for new cars to have daytime lights (DRL) to improve visibility. Vehicles that have a lighting system that switches on as soon as the brightness is not sufficient are also common. But it doesn’t hurt to remember the basic notions.
The DGT itself recommends that vehicles that have (DRL) circulate with the low beam on to help the rest of the users see it… and reduce accident rates by up to 10%. Yes, the crossing one. The position light is only suitable when the vehicle is parked on a poorly lit road; under no circumstances can you drive with it alone. And, of course, use high beams whenever possible, but without dazzling other drivers.
And a final tip to avoid unnecessary scares: change the time on your car’s clock. You wouldn’t be the first to get confused and nervous for a while, something that can lead to a dangerous situation on the road.
