Connecticut Gears Up for Daylight Saving Time: What You Need to Know

CONNECTICUT — Saturday night marks the beginning of daylight saving time in Connecticut, as clocks move ahead one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. While longer daylight hours bring economic and social benefits, medical experts warn of potential health and safety risks.

Health and Safety Concerns

Medical research suggests that daylight saving time disrupts the body’s circadian rhythms, increasing risks of:

• Heart attacks and strokes
• Mood disturbances
• Traffic accidents due to drowsy driving
• Sleep disruptions, particularly for children

According to AAA, drivers and pedestrians are at greater risk of accidents following the time change. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 occurred in dark conditions, up from 75% in 2021.

"The morning commute will be much darker for several weeks," said Ragina Ali, AAA spokesperson for Maryland and Washington, DC. "Drivers must stay alert, as children heading to school may be harder to see."

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drowsy driving plays a role in nearly 10 times more fatal crashes than official data suggests. Between 2017 and 2021, 18% of all traffic fatalities involved drowsy driving, resulting in nearly 30,000 deaths. In 2021 alone, 6,725 lives were lost in such crashes.

Signs of Drowsy Driving

• Difficulty keeping eyes open
• Drifting between lanes
• Forgetting recent miles driven
• Feeling restless or irritable

Safe Driving Tips

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep before driving.
• Avoid traveling during drowsy hours.
• Take breaks if you feel tired.
• Travel with an alert passenger.
• Consider a quick 20- to 30-minute nap when necessary.

The Debate Over Daylight Saving Time

Many states are debating whether to make daylight saving time permanent. In Connecticut, two bipartisan bills in 2021 aimed to exempt the state from the practice, but both stalled. Each proposal would have required Connecticut to join Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York in adopting Atlantic Standard Time.

On a national level, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for eliminating seasonal time changes in favor of a fixed, year-round schedule. Permanent daylight saving time could delay winter sunrises past 8 a.m. in northern regions, while permanent standard time could lead to summer sunrises as early as 4:30 a.m.

Political Implications: Trump’s Take on DST

Former President Donald Trump has voiced opposition to daylight saving time, calling it "inconvenient and costly" in a December post on Truth Social. However, in 2019, he expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, as federal approval is required for any nationwide change.

What’s Next?

If no legislative action is taken, daylight saving time will end on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when clocks "fall back" one hour. Until then, Connecticut residents should prepare for darker mornings, brighter evenings, and possible adjustments to sleep and safety routines.

• Related: Patch Survey: Keep Or Kick DST?

Written by Shannon Antinori, Patch staff, and Rich Kirby, Patch staff also contributed to this story.