By Paul R. Kirst Esq.
Though the Spring Equinox and Daylight Saving Time are not the same thing, they happen about the same time each year and are often thought of together. This article will explore some fun/interesting (hopefully) tidbits about each and then point out some safety considerations.
When do they happen?
Did you know the Spring Equinox is not always on the same date? It can happen on March 19, 20, or 21. This year it happens on March 19 at 8:06 p.m. PST (it happens at the same instant the world over and the only reason it happens at different “times” is due to the various time zones). Interestingly (per the Almanac website), due to time zone differences, there hasn’t been a March 21 equinox in the continental U.S. during the entire 21st century. We won’t see a March 21 equinox on the mainland again until 2101! This year, Daylight Saving (“Saving,” not “Savings”) Time (DST) begins March 10, 2024.
What are they?
The Spring Equinox marks (in the Northern Hemisphere) the first day of Spring – Astronomically speaking. However, March 1 is the first day of Spring – Meteorologically speaking. While I would LOVE to dive into THAT further, this article is neither the time nor the place. However, the Spring Equinox, and Spring generally, enjoy more of an agricultural and religious significance than legal relevance.
It is easier to write of DST in legislative – and legal – terms.
There are various opinions as to the how and why of DST, including it being the brainchild of Benjamin Franklin. However, it appears that Ben’s idea was very much a tongue-in-cheek idea that he developed and published while living in Paris. One would have to read the full publication to understand he was probably just having some fun. The closest one can find as to the origin of DST is found in 1916 WW I Germany as an energy-saving effort – with the United States following suit in 1918. In the U.S. the law implementing DST was repealed one year later and then reinstituted from 1942 through 1945 during WW II which was then known as “War Time.” After 1945 things were a bit chaotic with each state doing as it wanted. In 1966 Congress enacted the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
In 1974 as a result of the oil embargo, Congress ordered year-round DST which – due to cold, dark mornings in the winter – was highly unpopular and the U.S. changed back to standard time shortly thereafter. There have been various tweaks since. And that brings us to the modern day. As recently as 2022 the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would again make DST permanent (the “Sunshine Protection Act”). However, this effort never became law – as you are no doubt acutely aware when you lose an hour of sleep every Spring!
So how might the current system (biannual clock changes) and DST affect you or have personal injury ramifications? There are arguments on both sides, but let’s focus on the negatives since we all have to deal with them this month.
Because there will be one less hour of daylight at the start of each workday (and equally important, each school day) there will be a corresponding driving to work and school in the dark. Of particular concern are children at bus stops waiting to be picked up for school – in the dark. Also, having lost an hour of sleep and in essence asking your body to function an hour earlier than “normal,” a worker might be a bit drowsy at the start of the day. This can be particularly treacherous for those operating heavy equipment, machinery, or power tools while drowsy. Also, there is little dispute that one’s reaction time is decreased when fatigued. Even if you are on YOUR game, those you share the roads with – as well as your co-workers, may not adjust as well and put you at risk.
While we hope you escape the time change unscathed, Craig P. Kenny & Associates is here for you should you suffer a fatigue-related injury – be it on the road (personal injury) or at work (workers’ compensation). Be safe, go to bed early, and ease into our beautiful Southern Nevada Spring!
