Dallas Chiropractor Urges Caution When the Clocks Change

Look both ways when you cross the street. That adage has been ingrained in most of us since we first started walking. But during daylight saving time changes, perhaps the saying should be—look both ways when you cross the street… and then look again! Your Dallas chiropractor can help if you are a pedestrian injured as a result of a car accident, but the sad truth is that more pedestrians are killed by cars at the time when we change the clocks. Read on to learn more.

The Facts

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, cars kill more pedestrians in the weeks around daylight saving time changes than any other time of year. For instance, in busy New York City, 40 percent of pedestrians killed in car accidents in 2015 were struck between October and December. This is the time when darkness falls earlier, so it’s harder for drivers to see people on the street. 

In addition to poorer visibility in darkness, some experts say the requirement for people to abruptly adapt to a time change overnight may lead to dangerous driving. 

“Even though it’s dark, you’re still behaving like it’s light,” said Lawrence University economist David Gerard, of the first weeks after a time change. People may drive faster, he said, and pedestrians may be less attentive.

Spring Forward vs. Fall Back

Most research tends to focus on the “spring forward” period, because that’s when we lose an hour of sleep. However, experts say that the “fall back” period also has negative and dangerous effects, even though we might gain an hour of sleep.

This is because the sleep cycle is still significantly altered. As long as daylight saving time remains the national standard, there’s not much that can be done about these effects.

How to be a Safe Pedestrian

• Cross the street at designated crosswalks and pay attention to the crossing signals
• Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing
• Avoid dark clothes at night and wear brightly colored clothes during the day
• If possible, make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them
• Don’t look at your phone while walking
• If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the shoulder and face oncoming traffic

Finally, you know that you shouldn’t drink and drive. Well, you also shouldn’t drink and walk! Stay alert to stay safe. 

If you are injured as a pedestrian despite taking precautions, be sure to schedule an appointment with an auto accident chiropractor.There are treatments to alleviate pain and restore your mobility. 

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Zinovy Chukhman is the chiropractor in Dallas who is trained and experienced in helping people recover from injuries sustained in car accidents. If you need relief, call the office today to schedule an appointment.