The University of Washington study determined that a permanent switch would push sunrise later from November through March, resulting in at least 2 billion more dark morning commutes nationwide. Pedestrian fatalities involving school-age children double in early morning darkness compared to daylight hours, while diminished morning light also disrupts circadian rhythms that govern mood, sleep, and appetite. Georgia and Washington state students alone would see millions of additional pre-dawn trips under the proposed policy. These safety and health concerns continue to stall federal legislation in the Senate despite earlier approval from the House of Representatives.
Key points
Shifting sunrise an hour later from November through March presents severe physical safet…: Shifting sunrise an hour later from November through March presents severe physical safety hazards for commuting children.
Reduced morning sunlight threatens to disrupt student circadian biological clocks that re…: Reduced morning sunlight threatens to disrupt student circadian biological clocks that regulate essential functions like sleep and appetite.
Federal legislation to eliminate biannual clock changes remains stalled in the Senate ove…: Federal legislation to eliminate biannual clock changes remains stalled in the Senate over concerns regarding school start times.
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- Date:
- November 4, 2026
- Source:
- University of Washington
- Summary:
- A new study warns that permanent daylight saving time could force American children to make at least 2 billion additional school commutes in darkness, potentially increasing safety risks and disrupting their biological clocks. Researchers found that fatal crashes involving school-aged pedestrians were roughly twice as likely during dark mornings as after sunrise.
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Keeping daylight saving time in effect all year could bring brighter evenings, but new research suggests the change would come with a troubling consequence for American children. A nationwide switch could result in at least 2 billion additional trips to school in darkness, potentially increasing safety risks while reducing children's exposure to important morning sunlight.
The debate over permanent daylight saving time has gained momentum in Washington, D.C. This past summer, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would eliminate the annual return to standard time in the fall. Nineteen states, including Washington, have already approved measures supporting the change, which would take effect in those states if the federal…
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