Spring Forward... into the car in front of you

Today is the day we give father time back the hour we stole from him last fall, and we're all a little tired as a result. If you're a frequent traveler or you don't have a 9-5 job, the change may mean little to you. For those of us with a set schedule, however, pushing forward the alarm clock increases your chance for a car accident.
The Detroit Free Press obtained from the Michigan State Police crash statistics for the average Monday vs. the Monday after the time change, and the numbers are pretty crazy. On an average Monday in March, there are 1,022 accidents in the state of Michigan, but on the Monday after the clocks are moved forward, the average amount of accidents between 2002 and 2006 jumped to 1,396. The good news, if there is any, is that there are fewer fatalities than average on Spring Forward Monday. Experts say sleep deprivation could be part of the problem, but bad weather could have also play a factor. Either way, try to hit the hay early tonight, make a beeline to the local beanery for some breakfast blend, and double-check the seat belt before you head to work tomorrow.

[Source: Freep]

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