A safety organization is reminding drivers to stay safe ahead of the clocks springing forward this weekend.
Road Safety at Work says losing even just one hour of sleep can affect driving ability and increase the risk of crashes.
“Even minor fatigue can have major consequences when we’re behind the wheel,” said Trace Acres, program director at Road Safety at Work, in a statement.
“We’re not as alert, we’re slower to react, we don’t judge distance or recognize hazards as well as we usually do, and our decision making is compromised.”
The organization suggests drivers plan for extra rest during the days leading up to the time change and aim to go to sleep 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night.
“A well-rested driver is a safer driver,” Acres added.
Tips offered by Road Safety at Work include:
- Postpone driving when feeling too fatigued to do it safely.
- Learn to recognize signs of fatigue before it becomes dangerous. Red flags include frequent yawning or blinking, difficulty focusing or staying in your lane, forgetting the last few kilometres driven, and drifting into other lanes or hitting rumble strips. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop driving and rest.
- Drive during peak alertness. Schedule driving tasks during the hours you feel most alert. Avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when fatigue is more likely to strike.
- Take breaks. On long trips, pull over at a safe spot at least every two hours to stretch, hydrate, or rest. Short breaks can help maintain focus.
- Stay hydrated. Keep water in your vehicle and sip regularly throughout your drive. Fatigue can worsen if you’re dehydrated.
Clocks spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 9.
