It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to ‘spring forward’ by moving your clocks up one hour before you go to bed on Saturday. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.
As Georgians prepare for the time change, state officials urge caution regarding fire safety and driving.
Change you batteries
When you change your clocks, state fire officials encourage you to change the batteries in smoke detectors and fire alarms. Changing them out with the time change is a good way to remember to do this all-important task twice a year to ensure detectors and alarms are properly working.
It’s a simple task that could save your life.
Drowsy drivers beware
Another potentially lifesaving step is to use extra caution when driving and walking.
A study from the University of Colorado Boulder has found that the time shift is linked to an increase in accidents and fatalities, largely due to sleep deprivation and reduced morning visibility.
The time change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to drowsy driving, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness behind the wheel. Research shows that losing even one hour of sleep can significantly affect focus and decision-making, making driving—particularly in the early morning and late-night hours—more dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.
Additionally, the delayed sunrise in the morning reduces road visibility, making it harder to see pedestrians walking, jogging, or biking, especially in residential areas, crosswalks, and school zones.
Dangers of sleepiness
The dangers of sleepiness and decreased visibility during daylight saving are not to be taken lightly. According to estimates from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have increased at nearly seven times the rate of U.S. population growth (7%). In Georgia specifically:
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- Pedestrian deaths have risen by more than 50% over the past decade.
- From 2007 to 2024, 3,943 pedestrians were killed in Georgia.
- Over 80% of pedestrian fatalities occur outside of crosswalks.
- Between 2014 and 2023, 44% of pedestrian fatalities in Georgia involved distracted drivers.
- A vehicle traveling at 40 mph has a 90% chance of killing a pedestrian it strikes.
To help reduce crashes, the Georgia Department of Transportation encourages drivers and pedestrians to be well rested, exercise extreme caution — especially in school zones, wear highly visible clothing when walking, and stay aware of their surroundings.
