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Driving simulator performance worsens after the Spring transition to Daylight Saving Time
Federico Orsini1,2, Lisa Zarantonello3, Rodolfo Costa4,5
1Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Iscience
|July 11, 2022
Summary
The Spring transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST) negatively impacts driving performance. A driving simulator study found significant worsening of key driving indicators after the DST shift.
Area of Science:
- Sleep research
- Human factors engineering
- Traffic safety
Background:
- Daylight Saving Time (DST) transitions cause circadian desynchrony and sleep loss.
- Previous research linked DST to increased road traffic accidents.
- Limited studies investigate DST's direct impact on specific driving performance metrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the Spring DST transition on objective driving performance.
- To quantify changes in driving behavior using simulator-derived indices.
Main Methods:
- A driving simulator experiment was conducted.
- Participants completed two trials on the same route, one week apart.
- The second trial occurred after the Spring DST transition; a control group completed both trials before DST.
Main Results:
- Driving performance significantly worsened after the DST transition.
- A comprehensive set of simulator-derived indices indicated poorer driving.
- Control group showed no significant performance changes.
Conclusions:
- The Spring DST transition adversely affects driving performance.
- Simulator studies can objectively measure DST-related driving impairments.
- Findings highlight potential risks associated with DST shifts on road safety.
