Turning Your Clocks Back Can Make You Less Safe in Mississauga

Published November 2, 2018 at 2:25 pm

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While everyone knows we change our clocks twice a year, not everyone is aware that the subtle sleep disruptions this causes can lead to health and safety issues.

It can even increase car crashes and put pedestrians more at risk.

In case you were unaware, it’s almost time to shift your clock back one hour and fall into Daylight Standard Time on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at 2 a.m.

While getting one more hour of sleep is exciting, police are reminding residents that there are some negative health impacts associated with the switching of time.

“For many years now, Canadians and others around the world have been setting their clocks forward in the month of March and back in the month of November. This essentially began so we could make better use of our daylight hours,” Peel police wrote in recent news release.

“Research has shown that in the first few days of sleep disruption, there are increases in car accidents, heart attacks and higher levels of unhappiness.”

If that sounds alarming, it is–but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.

If you’re concerned that the time change will make you a little less aware, you can take steps to mitigate the impact.

Here are some tips:

  • Keep your sleep on track.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Stay visible.
  • Make eye contact with drivers, while you are in or crossing through crosswalks and intersections.

With the days getting shorter, it’s important to be sure you can be seen–wear brighter colours, if possible–when crossing the road during the evening hours. It’s also important to keep your sleep on track.

How are you preparing for the time change in Mississauga?

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