Twice a year, millions of people adjust their clocks forward or backward by an hour to observe daylight saving time (DST). This year, DST will end on November 3. Originally adopted as an energy-saving measure, DST is a tradition meant to align waking hours with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening. However, as society and technology have evolved, some question whether DST still serves a purpose—or if it creates more issues than benefits.
Today, many countries have moved away from DST, while others continue to observe it despite debate over its relevance. In this article, we explore the following question: Is daylight saving time necessary today?
Yes!
1. Public Health and Safety Improvements
Keeping DST allows daylight in the evening and improves road safety by reducing the number of accidents, particularly during peak travel times. Studies have shown that darker conditions are linked to increased accident rates, so more light during evening commutes makes roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Additionally, increased daylight hours reduce crime rates, as fewer incidents occur in well-lit areas. DST plays a crucial role in promoting public health and safety.
2. Energy Savings and Productivity Gains
DST continues to benefit society by reducing energy consumption during the evening hours, as people have more daylight after work or school. These extra daylight hours help save electricity by reducing the need for artificial lighting. Furthermore, DST encourages outdoor activities after work, which can improve health, happiness, and productivity levels. By shifting more waking hours into daylight, we make better use of natural resources and promote a more active lifestyle.
No!
1. Negative Health Effects
DST forces us to change our clocks twice a year, which impacts our sleep quality. Studies have shown that people can lose 40 minutes of sleep the night after the switch to DST in March. While this may seem minor, one night of bad rest affects our circadian rhythms, hurting how our bodies normally function. This in turn leads to the risk of an abundance of negative health effects. Often, personal reasons fill our lives with multiple days where we don’t get the proper eight hours of rest we need. If DST is abolished, it leaves the opportunity for at least two more nights of full rest, which our bodies will greatly benefit from in the long run.
2. Economic Costs
Studies have shown that DST costs the United States over 670 million dollars per year. These costs are related to medical and industrial accidents, due to the effects of this time switch on individuals. If DST is abolished, we would not only save millions of dollars for the country but would save many valuable lives.
There are several other reasons why one might support the continued implementation of daylight saving time, as well as reasons to oppose it. What are your thoughts about “The Necessity of Daylight Saving Time?” Go to <https://bit.ly/CTNov2024> or scan the QR code and tell us where you stand! Votes are collected until November 16, 2024, and results will be released in the December 2024 issue of The Tattler.
Vote here!
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