Daylight Saving Time Tips for Truckers
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is that time of the year when we are asked to turn our clocks an hour ahead, or behind. When it comes to trucking, these changes can be quite confusing. Not only do you need to keep your headlights on at all times, but now you have an extra hour per day that needs to be accounted for in terms of your driving hours.
The History of Daylight Saving Time
The history of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a long and complicated one. The basic idea of DST is to make better use of daylight hours by moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. This allows for more activities to be done during daylight hours, which is why DST is also sometimes called summertime.
The concept of DST was first proposed in 1895 by New Zealand entomologist George Hudson, who wanted to make better use of the daylight hours during the summer months so that he could collect more insects. Hudson's proposal was not adopted at that time.
It wasn't until nearly 20 years later that the first real-world test of DST took place. In 1916, Germany became the first country to implement DST as a way to conserve coal during World War I. Other countries soon followed suit, including Austria, Denmark, and parts of Canada.
While DST has been widely adopted around the world, there are still some places that do not observe it. One notable example is Arizona, which has opted out of DST since 1968. Some people believe that DST is unnecessary and causes more problems than it solves. Others believe that it's an important way to save energy and make better use of our natural resources.
Does Daylight Saving Save Energy?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some studies suggest that daylight saving time (DST) results in a small decrease in energy consumption, while others find no significant effect.
One study from the U.S. Department of Energy found that DST reduces overall electricity demand by about 1%. This may not seem like much, but it can translate into significant savings for utilities and consumers alike.
Other studies, however, have found no evidence that DST has any effect on energy consumption. One study from Michigan State University found that DST increased energy use by about 0.5%.
So the jury is still out on whether or not DST saves energy. However, even if the savings are small, they could add up over time if all homes and businesses adopt DST.
How to Change Your Clock for Daylight Saving
In the United States, daylight saving time (DST) starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. On DST, clocks are moved forward one hour. This extra hour of daylight is useful for many outdoor activities.
To change your clock for daylight saving time:
Find out when DST starts and ends in your country/region.
On the day DST starts, move your clock forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time.
On the day DST ends, move your clock back one hour to 2:00 a.m. local time.
Effects of DST on Trucking and Transportation
The effect of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on trucking and transportation is two-fold. First, DST can affect the amount of daylight available for travel. This is especially true in the spring when DST begins. When DST starts, the sun sets an hour later in the evening. This can be a problem for truckers who are trying to make it to their destination before nightfall.
Second, DST can also affect the schedules of transportation workers. For example, DST can cause disruptions to train and bus schedules. This can be a major inconvenience for commuters who rely on these models of transportation to get to work or school on time.
How can truck drivers keep safe during DST?
Getting enough sleep is important because fatigue is often a factor in accidents that happen around DST. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that people who only sleep six to seven hours a night are twice as likely to be in a crash that kills someone.
Here are a few safety tips for drivers to follow during Daylight Saving Time:
Adjust your sleep schedule: Losing an hour of sleep can happen. Change your sleep schedule by going to bed a few minutes earlier each day leading up to the time change.
Know how the time change impacts you: Take note of the information above about the electronic log. Check your pick-up and delivery times, estimated times of arrival, and next available times twice (NATs).
Follow safe driving practices: As it gets darker earlier, be careful on the road and plan your trips well. Slow down, leave more space between you and the car in front of you, and don't drive past your headlights.
Be prepared for the weather: When Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall, winter weather changes start to happen. Make sure there are winter supplies in your truck driver's emergency kit.
Even though it's only an hour, Daylight Savings Time can affect how you do your job and how safely you can drive. So, it's important to be ready and think ahead about how you'll adjust to your new schedule. Make sure to check your pickup times, delivery times, and estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to avoid any confusion.
Conclusion
Daylight saving time can be a great way to make the most of the daylight hours, but it can also be a bit of a hassle. If you're not used to changing your clocks, it can be easy to forget or get confused. But once you get the hang of it, daylight saving time is a great way to enjoy sunny days and long evenings. So set your clocks forward this weekend and enjoy the extra hour of daylight!
It’s just one hour, but it’s still important to plan accordingly. Drive safe!
