How the Spring Forward Time Change Affects Nevada Roads: Safety Tips from Sam Mirejovsky on ARC Las Vegas
The spring forward time change (Daylight Saving Time starts March 9, 2026) causes drivers to lose one hour of sleep, leading to a 6% increase in fatal car crashes the following week (University of Colorado research). In Las Vegas, with darker mornings and more fatigued drivers on the Strip, I-15, and major corridors, this creates real danger. Sam Mirejovsky from Sam & Ash Injury Law recently explained the risks on ARC Las Vegas.
Here’s a recap of the key points Sam shared, plus practical safety tips for Las Vegas drivers heading into the time shift. Click here to watch the segment.
Why the Spring Time Change Is Dangerous for Drivers
When clocks spring forward, most people lose an hour of sleep. That single hour disrupts circadian rhythms and leads to widespread fatigue in the days that follow.
- Increased crash risk: A University of Colorado Boulder study found that fatal car crashes rise by approximately 6% in the week after the time change.
- Morning darkness: Darker commutes during the early hours just days after the change make pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles harder to see.
- This is a big issue on busy Las Vegas routes like the Strip, I-15, Flamingo, Sahara, and Charleston.
- Fatigue effects: Losing even one hour of sleep can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and mimic mild alcohol impairment
- (similar to a 0.05-0.08 BAC level).
- Nevada-specific: With tourism, nightlife, and already high-speed corridors, the added layer of fatigue increases risks for both locals and visitors.
Sam emphasized that this isn’t just theory; we see it play out in crash reports every March.
Real Stats & Trends
- Heart attacks increase by 24% on the Monday after the time change (due to sleep disruption).
- Strokes, workplace accidents, and medical errors also spike.
- Traffic incidents follow the same pattern.
- Drowsy driving is a factor in thousands of crashes annually, and the time change acts as an amplifier.
- In Clark County, LVMPD sees higher impaired and distracted driving incidents around holiday and time-change periods, making enforcement and awareness even more critical.
Sam’s Safety Tips for the Time Change Week
Sam shared several practical steps every driver can take to stay safe during and after the clock change:
- Get ahead of the lost hour: Go to bed earlier on Friday and Saturday nights. Even 30-60 minutes of extra sleep can make a difference.
- Avoid driving drowsy: If you feel sleepy, pull over safely. A short nap (15-20 minutes) or caffeine can help, but the best fix is real rest.
- Increase alertness on the road: NO phone use. Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes up. Give yourself extra following distance. Use headlights earlier in the darker mornings.
- Watch for others: Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to see in low light. Slow down, especially near crosswalks and school zones.
- Report dangerous drivers: If you see someone swerving, speeding aggressively, or driving erratically, call 911 or LVMPD non-emergency. Early reporting can prevent crashes and save lives.
- If you’re injured: Document everything: photos of the scene, injuries, other vehicles, witness info.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance without talking to a lawyer first.
Final Thoughts from Sam
“The time change is something we all go through every year, but it’s not harmless. That lost hour adds up to real danger on our roads: slower reactions, darker mornings, and more fatigue. In Las Vegas, where traffic is already heavy, it’s smart to take extra precautions.”
At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we help injured drivers and passengers every day, whether the crash was caused by fatigue, impairment, speeding, or another factor. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, we offer free consultations and fight for full compensation with absolutely no fees until we win.
Been in a crash after the time change?
Call (702) 820-1234 or visit samandashlaw.com for a free case review.
→ Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Drive safe, Las Vegas, and get that extra hour of rest before Sunday!
