Daylight Saving Time in Nevada and California: Understanding the Impact

As we prepare to “fall back,” Daylight Saving Time (DST) brings more than just an extra hour of sleep. It affects how we drive and how we feel. Shorter days mean darker commutes, shifts in sleep patterns, and even a proven spike in certain types of accidents.

Understanding the impact of time shifts on our health, safety, and daily routines is essential for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones this season. This detailed guide from Sam & Ash Injury Law provides valuable insights into Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Nevada and California. By following this information, you can ensure your safety as we move into shorter days. Stay informed and prepared to navigate the changes effectively.

Quick History of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time has been messing with America’s sleep schedule for over a century. It started in 1918 under the Standard Time Act to save fuel and maximize daylight during World War I and was repealed after the war ended. It came back into effect during World War II and was finally standardized nationwide by the Uniform Time Act of 1966… giving us the twice-a-year tradition we love to hate.

Fast-forward to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which extended DST to cut energy use and keep the country on a consistent schedule. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the extension aimed to save electricity and improve fuel efficiency across the grid.

Today, the debate burns brighter than ever. Lawmakers are once again pushing the Sunshine Protection Act this year, which would make DST permanent. And they’re not alone: a Stetson University survey found that 75% of Americans are done with clock flipping and want one time all year.

Daylight Saving Time’s Effect on the Body

That one-hour time shift might seem like nothing, but to your body, it’s a significant change. According to research from Virginia Tech, DST “messes with your biological clock” (your circadian rhythm) and leads to fatigue and slower reaction times. Throwing off your sleep schedule can heighten risks of heart disease, weight gain, and mental fatigue.

In short, DST is like jet lag without the vacation. And twice a year, its effects increase your chances of getting hurt at work or on the road more than you may realize.

What You Need to Know

Important Statistics

• Traffic Accidents: According to a study published in the American Economic Journal, fatal car crashes often rise by about 6% in the days following the time change. The study attributes this spike more to sleep disruption than to lighting conditions. This translates to an estimated 30 additional deaths each year and a social cost exceeding $275 million annually.
• Health Effects: The Sleep Foundation notes that disrupted sleep can elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Crime Rates: Fewer daylight hours can also influence crime patterns. When clocks “fall back,” darker evenings make certain crimes more likely, while “springing forward” tends to reduce them as evenings stay brighter longer. A 2025 CNET home security analysis notes that evening robberies fall 27% once clocks spring forward, but then jump up 16% when daylight savings time ends in the fall.

Nevada-Specific Considerations

In Nevada, where DST is observed statewide, the nights in Vegas shine a little brighter, but the mornings stay dim. This shift brings more than just a change in mood. With fewer daylight hours, the risks for both drivers and pedestrians rise across the Strip’s bustling intersections and the state’s open highways. It’s a time to be extra cautious and alert.

According to the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety’s September 2025 Fatal Report, 277 lives have been lost on Nevada roads this year. That’s a 7% drop from 2024, but still a harsh reminder that every one of those deaths was preventable. 

Drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert, especially after dark. Under the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484B, motorists must come to a full stop at all marked crosswalks, not just yield. Violations can bring fines over $1,000 and license penalties. The Zero Fatalities Nevada Program stresses visibility: pedestrians should wear reflective clothing or carry lights, while drivers are reminded that “crashes are preventable, not accidents.”

Though legislators have proposed bills to remove Nevada from daylight saving time, efforts have repeatedly stalled in Carson City. The issue could return if Congress passes federal measures allowing states to set a permanent time policy.

California-Specific Considerations

In California, DST shifts the rhythm of its traffic-dense cities. Coastal sunsets come sooner, freeways glow with endless brake lights, and dim mornings stretch over cities that never really slow down. The change reshapes how millions travel after dark. Shorter evenings mean longer stretches of low light on crowded freeways, winding coastal highways, and pedestrian-heavy city streets.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reports over 1,100 pedestrian deaths every year, with nearly three-quarters of fatal incidents happening at night. City commuters experience the strain first, with longer drives home in denser traffic and less daylight. 

Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires motorists to yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Violations can lead to steep fines and civil liability in injury cases. Statewide safety campaigns like Drive Alert — Arrive Alive (promoted by the California Office of Traffic Safety) encourage drivers to rest well before driving, use headlights even during twilight hours, and eliminate distractions during dusk drives.

Proposition 7, passed in 2018, allows California to adopt permanent DST if federal law permits. Lawmakers revisited the issue this year, but until national legislation changes, Californians can expect to keep “springing forward” and “falling back” for at least a few more seasons.

How to Adjust to the Time Change

• Gradual Adjustment: In the days leading up to the time change, gradually shift your bedtime and wake-up time by 10-15 minutes each day. This will help your body adapt more comfortably to the hour change. Ensure any automatic timers are adjusted for the time change as well.
• Stay Alert on the Road: Be extra cautious when driving, especially in the days following the time change. Adjust your schedule where possible to minimize time on the road after dark. Remember that pedestrians and cyclists may also adjust to the new light conditions.
• Check Your Detectors: DST is a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are functioning correctly, and replace the batteries if needed.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date on any changes or advisories from local authorities regarding road conditions, especially if you plan to travel during the time change period. This will help you stay prepared and make informed decisions.
• Watch for Cyclists & Pedestrians: People on the road are more at risk during DTS. Cyclists should check their reflectors and batteries, and pedestrians should wear lighter, easy-to-see clothing where possible.

As we “fall back” this November, reset your clocks and your awareness. The shift into darker days brings real risks on the road and at home, from more evening crashes to disrupted sleep patterns. Staying alert, planning ahead, and watching out for others can make all the difference.

At Sam & Ash Injury Law, keeping our communities safe isn’t seasonal… It’s who we are. If a car accident happens to you or a loved one around the time change, don’t face it alone. Get a team that will pick up the phone, guide you through recovery, and fight for what’s fair — Because You Deserve What’s Right.

Why Choose Sam & Ash Injury Law?

Nobody should settle for uncertainty when it comes to justice in your personal injury lawsuit. If your law firm is running silent or treating you like just another file in the stack, it’s time to flip the script and demand better.

At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we know that every accident is personal, and so is your recovery. We believe you deserve What’s Right.

Our team has a proven track record of helping clients in California and Nevada secure life-changing results. We handle every detail — from preserving evidence to negotiating with insurance companies — so you can focus on healing.

We offer deep expertise in California and Nevada law with compassionate, client-focused service, and no fees unless we win your case.

At Sam & Ash, we are committed to:

• Prompt Communication: You will never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. We call back quickly, answer every question, and provide clear updates. You’ll always know what’s next, so you’re never in the dark or waiting for answers.
• Proven Results That Speak for Themselves: We bring years of successful case outcomes to the table. Our history of winning cases and securing strong settlements for clients in California and Nevada means you can trust we’ll fight for the best possible result in your case.
• Keeping You Informed with Personalized Care: We provide clear explanations of your options. We will never rush you to settle. We want you to feel confident in your decisions at every stage. We handle all the forms, deadlines, and conversations with insurance adjusters so you can focus on your recovery without extra stress. We want you to get the quality of service that makes you feel like you’re our only client.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t face the journey to recovery alone. Contact Sam & Ash Injury Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and work hard to deliver fair compensation.

Call us today. Let us help you get the care and compensation that you and your family deserve.

Sam & Ash Injury Law — Because You Deserve What’s Right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) refers to the practice of adjusting clocks forward by one hour during warmer months to maximize evening daylight and conserve energy.

2. When does Daylight Saving Time start and end in Nevada and California?

In Nevada and California, Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

3. How does Daylight Saving Time affect traffic accidents?

Studies have shown that traffic accidents can increase by approximately 6% after the time change, primarily due to disruption in sleep patterns and reduced visibility during darker evenings.

4. What are the health effects of Daylight Saving Time changes?

The transition into Daylight Saving Time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and mental fatigue. It’s crucial to adjust your sleeping habits before the time change.

5. Why do some Americans oppose Daylight Saving Time?

Many Americans feel that the shift disrupts their daily routines, adversely affects health, and creates confusion. Legislation is being proposed to eliminate these clock changes altogether.

6. How can I adjust to the time change safely?

To adjust to Daylight Saving Time, gradually shift your bedtime by 10-15 minutes in advance. Staying alert while driving, especially after sunset, is also essential for safety on the roads.

7. What are the pedestrian safety laws during Daylight Saving Time?

Both California and Nevada law require motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, which is especially important as daylight hours shorten during DST.

8. Is there legislation to keep Daylight Saving Time permanent?

Yes, there have been efforts, such as the Sunshine Protection Act, aimed at making Daylight Saving Time permanent. However, as of now, both states still observe standard clock changes twice a year.

9. How can I stay safe during Daylight Saving Time?

Stay informed about local road conditions, alter driving routes to minimize nighttime driving, and ensure visibility by wearing reflective clothing if you are a pedestrian or cyclist.