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Drowsy driving causes nearly 10 percent of all the car crashes in Pennsylvania and the rest of the U.S., according to a traffic safety study by AAA. The same organization has just released another study suggesting that drowsy driving is more common immediately following daylight saving time. The loss of one hour of sleep could cause many to feel groggy the next day. However, AAA has some advice on how to avoid getting in an accident during this adjustment period.

The first step is to get to bed earlier. This will cut down on the drowsiness one feels the morning after clocks move forward. Since other drivers may be drowsy, one should also make sure to signal all turns and double-check before changing lanes. To reduce glare from the rising sun, which will now occur later during morning commutes, drivers can use their visors or consider investing in glasses with polarized lenses.

With the darker mornings, drivers should be aware that road conditions will seem unfamiliar at first. With the longer evenings, more people will be outside until sunset. This means more car and pedestrian traffic to look out for during the commute home. AAA advises pedestrians who are out at night, and especially during the hours of dusk and dawn, to carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing.

Drowsy driving is just one of many forms of negligent driving. When negligence is the cause of a car accident, the driver may be help responsible for the victim’s medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost income and other losses. Before filing a claim, the victim might want the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.