This weekend the winter time is introduced. We will all have to turn our clocks back an hour, so that it will get dark earlier and the sun will rise earlier in the morning. The objective is to take advantage of more sunlight, since the number of daylight hours in winter is up to six hours less than in summer.
Does this time change affect driving? Yes, exactly in the same way that our habits are modified, there are consequences in any activity that requires concentration such as driving, where the 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 worse. With fatigue, reaction times to unforeseen 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 adequate rest habits , to combat the time change effectively. There are people who try to modify sleep habits beforehand. It is the ideal, but not everyone can do it, of course. We leave you a trick: intense exercise also speeds up the adaptation to the new schedule.
Do not abuse stimulants such as caffeinated drinks. Although the consumption of coffee or similar beverages helps alleviate lack of sleep, with an excess dose, irascibility increases, when behind the wheel it is necessary to remain calm. And beware if you are prone to migraines or stress: these days you are usually more likely to have 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’s time to raise the level of attention and increase the safety distance a little in case something happens. It’s never too much.
light changes
In addition to the biological clock, the change of time influences the hours of light that we have. Now it is easier to have to drive in low sun , so it is worth having sunglasses and clean car windows in the car. There is nothing more blinding than the low sun hitting a dirty windshield.
Knowing how to use the car’s lights is also key . Since August 2012 it is mandatory for new cars to have daytime running light (DRL) technology to improve visibility. Vehicles that have a lighting system that is connected as soon as the light is not enough are also common. But it is worth remembering the basics.
The DGT itself recommends that vehicles that have (DRL), circulate with the dipped beam on to help other users see it… and reduce accident rates by up to 10%. Yes, the crossing. The position light is only suitable when the vehicle is parked on a poorly lit road, under no circumstances can you drive only with it. And, of course, use high beams whenever possible, but without dazzling other drivers.
And a final piece of advice to avoid unnecessary scares: change the time on your car’s clock. You would not be the first to get confused and nervous for a while, something that can lead to a dangerous situation on the road.
Source: DGT, Arval
