DAYTON — Daylight Saving Time is this weekend and it means one less hour of sleep.
>>RELATED: AAA warns Daylight Saving could throw off your morning commute
It also means a darker morning and the potential for more sleepy drivers on the road, according to AAA.
AAA is reminding drivers to adjust their sleeping habits, along with their clocks and stay alert behind the wheel.
“When the time changes, sleep cycles are interrupted and drivers can be more tired than they realize,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokesperson. “Losing one hour of sleep takes an adjustment and drivers need to prepare by getting more rest, especially on Sunday.”
She says knowing the warning signs of drowsiness can help drivers avoid dozing off behind the wheel.
“Symptoms include having trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting from your lane and not remembering the last few miles driven,” she said.
To avoid drowsy driving, AAA recommends that drivers:
- Travel at times of the day when they are normally awake
- Prioritize sleep, getting at least seven hours a night
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
For longer trips, drivers should:
- Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles
- Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving
- Do not underestimate the power of a quick nap. Pulling into a rest stop and taking a quick catnap―at least 20 minutes and no more than 30 minutes of sleep―can help to keep you alert on the roads
AAA says drivers should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and get at least seven hours of sleep before taking a trip.
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