ICBC Urges Extra-Caution Next Week

As British Columbians forward their clocks this Sunday for Daylight Savings Time (DST), ICBC is reminding drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to 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.' 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 Savings begins. According to the five year average (2003-2007), on the Monday following the spring time change there were 700 crash incidents, compared to 650 incidents the Monday before the time change, which represents a 7 per cent increase in crash incidents.

The average cost to ICBC customers for crash incidents following the spring time change (2003-2007) was $4.5 million.

Here are some driving tips:

• 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.
• 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.
• Plan to take more time driving to and from work next week.
• Slow down and keep your distance. It takes longer to stop on wet pavement.