Post-Time Change Accident Spike: Driving Safety Warning for Shreveport

What time is it, anyway? Why does 8:00 PM feel like the middle of the night, and why is the sun setting so early? If you’ve felt like you’re struggling to keep it together this week in Shreveport, you are definitely not alone.

If you aren't struggling, you must be superhuman, and I need to know your secret! But if that secret involves excessive caffeine, experts say you’re likely just messing with your sleep schedule even more.

For at least the next month or so, we are going to struggle to adjust. Our internal clocks are struggling to process the shift, leading to that all-too-familiar feeling of exhaustion. There is a very high chance you are already tired, and this entire week will feel chaotic. Just keep your eye on the prize: making it home and prioritizing sleep.

Warning: Watch Out for the Spike in Accidents

This post-time change exhaustion isn't just about feeling tired; it has real-world consequences, especially on our Shreveport roads. There is always a spike in motor vehicle accidents right after Daylight Saving ends because we just can’t seem to keep it together. Not only is our concept of time completely thrown off, but our focus behind the wheel also takes a hit, especially when the evening commute feels like late-night driving.

We're all tired of feeling exhausted, so what can we do today to feel better tomorrow?

The Simple Fix: Go to Bed Earlier

Experts claim the solution is simple, though maybe not easy: you need to start taking yourself to bed over an hour earlier than normal. Making this effort will gently tell your body that you are adjusting to a new normal.

To make this happen tonight, try putting your phone away and setting it on "Do Not Disturb" at least 30 minutes before your new, earlier bedtime. Forcing yourself to avoid content consumption right before closing your eyes will help you grab some extra minutes of high-quality sleep—which is exactly what your body needs to catch up and handle the dark Shreveport evenings better in the long run.