ICBC's top five smart driving tips for Daylight Saving Time

VANCOUVER, March 11 /CNW/ - As British Columbians forward their clocks this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time (DST), ICBC is reminding drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to get some extra rest and take extra care next week due to the grogginess some people may feel.

While the days will consist of more daylight, the time change can have a significant effect on some people's sleep patterns, resulting in a disruption to their circadian rhythms or 'biological clock.' An increase in daylight and warmer temperatures also means more pedestrians and cyclists on our roads, so drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should remember to use caution and leave extra time to get to their destinations - particularly during the Monday commute.

Crash statistics illustrate a higher driving risk the first work day after Daylight Saving begins. In B.C., according to the five-year average (2005-2009), on the Monday following the springtime change, there were 850 crash incidents, compared to 690 incidents the Monday before the time change, which represents a 23 per cent increase in crash incidents.

Here are ICBC's top five smart driving tips for Daylight Saving Time:

    
    1.  Get some rest: Try to get to bed earlier - and to help yourself to
        fall asleep faster - exercise during the day, have a hot bath or
        shower before going to bed and treat yourself to a book and a warm
        glass of milk.

    2.  Plan ahead: Give yourself extra time to drive to and from work next
        week.

    3.  Slow down and keep your distance, especially with more pedestrians
        and cyclists on the road.

    4.  Lights on: Continue to use your headlights at all times to ensure you
        are visible to pedestrians and other road users. Make sure your
        headlights are clean (splattered mud can cloud them) and that all
        bulbs (both high and low beam) are working properly.

    5.  Be a role model: Set an example by making smart driving decisions -
        whether it's to your children, passengers or other road users. Your
        smart decisions can have a significant influence on others.
    

For further information: Media contacts: Adam Grossman, [phone]