Daylight Savings Time is just days away. On Sunday, we will “spring forward” by one hour. Starting Sunday, March 9th, clocks will jump forward at 2 a.m., signaling the beginning of longer daylight hours. While this change can be nice as it gives us extra sunlight heading into summer, it can really mess with our physical and mental body clocks too. This can cause problems that may lead to fatigue, which can affect your daily life, especially when driving. Here are some tips to help you adjust to the time change and stay safe while driving during the transition into spring.

Be Sure Your Car Lights Work

You may be thinking, we get more daylight, why do I need to check my car lights? Well, with the increased daylight, mornings often are a bit darker, especially if you have a morning commute. For this, it is essential to ensure all of your vehicle’s lights are in proper working condition. This includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and even your emergency flashers. If you have not already, take a moment to inspect and test your car’s lights before the time change. Proper lighting makes sure the road ahead is visible to you and ensures you are visible to other drivers.

Prepare for Sun Glare

With more daylight hours, you will likely be driving in the sun more often, especially during the early evening. Sun glare can make it difficult to see the road clearly, increasing the risk of accidents. To combat this, keep a pair of UV-protection sunglasses in your vehicle to help reduce glare and protect your eyes. If you do not have sunglasses with you, make sure to adjust your sun visor to block out the direct sunlight while driving to maintain proper road visibility.

Start to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

You still have two days to prepare for the time change. In these last few days before we spring forward, try to go to bed an hour earlier to prepare for the lost hour on Sunday. This will help give your body clock more time to get used to the hour change before the week resumes next Monday. Your body will get a smoother transition and feel more prepared. This reduces the risk of severe fatigue, which helps reduce the risk of driving danger.

Take a Look at Your Tires

Spring weather brings an increase in potholes, as the freeze-thaw cycle caused by winter weather often leads to more road damage. Potholes can be hard to avoid and can cause significant damage to your vehicle if you drive over them too quickly. To stay safe, make sure your tires are in good condition and have adequate tread. If you spot a pothole, slow down and try to maneuver around it if possible. If you cannot avoid it, drive over it slowly to minimize any damage.

Be sure to get lots of rest this weekend to prepare for the time change. If you feel any negative effects of it, try to avoid driving if possible. Also, be sure to stay hydrated as this will help to reduce the feeling of fatigue.