Increased accident risk due to time change

During the time change, there is an increased risk of accidents. Every third woman suffers from the change of time.

At the weekend, the time is changed by one hour. Statistics show that in the days after the time change the number of accidents increases. This is due to fatigue and lack of concentration, which are caused by the „Mini jet lag“ to be triggered. According to the Institute for Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IAG), the biorhythm takes a relatively long time to adapt to the new era, as Dirk Windemuth explained. According to a study by Auto Club Europa (ACE), the risk of accidents increases by 28 percent during the first month after the changeover. The figures are based on evaluations by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany. According to a survey by the health insurance DAK, every third woman reported to suffer from the time change.

The body needs about a week until it has adjusted to the new winter time. For some more sensitive people, the transition process can last even longer. Many people suffer from lack of concentration, tiredness, headache and irritability during this phase. Some even complain of winter depression. Due to the early onset of darkness, another weighty factor is added, which leads to an increased risk of accidents. For example, those who are accustomed to actually come home from work in the bright light now have to expect that it will be dark at about 5 pm. Some people find it much harder to concentrate on the road conditions. Moisture and wetness on the roads, leaves of trees and partly frosty first make the roads slippery. In addition, fog and darkness obstruct the visibility of the road conditions.

Pedestrians should be extra careful during this time. Especially you and cyclists are particularly at risk. You should therefore pay attention in the next few weeks that they are recognizable to motorists despite the poor visibility. Therefore, it is recommended to wear light or yellow clothes. Children should also be on the jacket „Cat's Eye“ wear, which reflect the light. Cyclists should at the latest now check the lights of their bike for functionality and if necessary replace non-functioning parts. This also applies to reflectors on the saliva and lateral reflector strips on the tires. A helmet should also belong to the bicycle equipment at the latest in autumn time. Although a helmet can not prevent a fall, but reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

Pedestrians should wear bright clothes. According to a recent study, pedestrians with dark clothing are only perceived at a distance of 25 meters. In an emergency, this can be far too short a distance for the driver to react in time. People who wear light clothing, however, are at least perceived from a distance of at least 90 meters. Carrying Pedestrians Reflecting on clothing or ribbons, the visibility is increased up to 150 meters. Next Sunday (Saturday night from Sunday to Sunday), the time will be set back at 3:00 am to 2:00 am by one hour. (sb, 27.10.2010)

Also read:
Time change promotes winter depression
Every third woman suffers from the time change
Home remedy for winter depression

Picture: Paulwip