Lambton Public Health is encouraging drivers to be extra careful with the shift to Daylight Saving Time this weekend.
Health Promoter and Lambton Safe Roads Committee Chair Kelley Elliott says drivers are at increased risk of a crash for the first three days following the time change.
"After daylight savings time, research has been done to snow that there has been an increased crash risk for drivers," says Elliott. "The crash risk is 5% to 7% higher. The study was done by the University of British Columbia."
Elliott says one hour may not seem like much, but it can impact your focus on the road.
According to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, 26% of road fatalities and injuries are fatigue related.
Elliott says there are some precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of being involved in a crash including; going to bed earlier the night before daylight savings time and adjusting your sleep schedule for a few days before the switch, don't drink alcohol if you're going to drive and understand the side effects of medications you're using.
Also, if possible, Elliott says drive during daylight hours because more fatigue related crashes happen during the afternoon and evening.
Elliott says signs of fatigue include excessive yawning, drowsiness, sore eyes, missing signs, slowed reaction times, inconsistent speed, crossing over lanes and loss of concentration. She recommends taking regular breaks before you exhibit any of those warning signs.
Clocks spring forward at 2am Sunday.
Fire officials are using the biannual time change to remind residents to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
