Ready to lose an hour of sleep, Victoria? We know we aren’t!
This weekend, it’s time to spring forward once again.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) kicks in on Sunday, March 9th, at exactly 2 a.m. local time, which means all those who observe DST will lose one hour of sleep.
DST is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months to make better use of natural daylight. The goal is to provide more daylight during the evening hours in summer, and once the clocks return to standard time in the fall, we get more daylight in the mornings as well.
In BC, the vast majority of the province observes DST, with exceptions such as the Peace River Regional District and parts of the East Kootenay region.
The first municipality in Canada to observe DST was Port Arthur, Ontario, in 1908. Canada followed the United States in 1966 when the country standardized the practice.
This year, the clocks will spring forward by one hour on Sunday, March 9th at 2 a.m. This means that, for most BC residents, there will be no 2 a.m.—clocks will automatically jump to 3 a.m. on devices like phones, which typically adjust themselves without you having to do anything.
Losing an hour of sleep can make a big difference. This isn’t just a matter of feeling groggy on Monday morning—fatigue can affect more than your mood; it can impact your ability to drive safely, too.
Road Safety at Work is warning drivers about the risks that come with the time change, especially when it comes to driving.
“Losing just one hour of sleep can affect our driving ability and increase the risk of crashing,” explains Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work.
This change can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving drivers fatigued in the days following the time change, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and hazard recognition—all of which are crucial when driving.
The risks aren’t limited to the morning after the time change either. The body takes time to adjust, meaning that drivers can still experience the effects of sleep disruption days later. And since daylight will be arriving later in the morning, early drivers will also face reduced visibility as they travel in the dark.
To help manage the increased crash risk, Road Safety at Work recommends that drivers make a few preparations before the time change:
- Aim to go to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night before the time change. This can help your body adjust to the new schedule smoothly
- In the days leading up to DST, make sure to prioritize sleep. A well-rested driver is a safer driver
- Watch for signs of fatigue like frequent yawning, difficulty focusing, or drifting from your lane. If you experience these, pull over to rest
- Avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when you’re most likely to be tired. Schedule long drives during hours when you feel the most awake
- On long trips, take breaks every two hours to stretch, hydrate, and recharge. Short stops help maintain focus on the road
- Dehydration can worsen fatigue, so keep water handy in your vehicle
Road Safety at Work advises employers to encourage employees to get adequate rest before the time change and to check in with them in the days following DST to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared to drive safely.
Employers should also avoid assigning demanding driving tasks immediately after the time change and encourage employees to speak up if they feel fatigued or unprepared to drive.
Make sure to set any manual clocks ahead before going to bed this Sunday so you avoid being confused in the morning!
