Daylight savings originated in World War I as a way to reduce electricity usage. Since then, most states have adopted the DST (Daylight Saving Time). Besides the believed benefit of decreased electricity usage, many believed that DST also reduces traffic accidents, deters crime, boosts economic activity, and promotes healthy active lifestyles; however, no substantial research supported these beliefs. In fact, it is argued that the benefits are also its drawbacks. For example, an observation (in 2020) found that the following week after the time change in March was a 6% increase in fatal crashes due to sleep deprivation.
Many people appreciate the DST for its extra sunlight, as Allison Hawthorne, a 12th grader, said, “I think the benefit is my happiness. I have lacrosse practice from 4 to 6, so when the sun’s not setting during my practice, it’s better.” The DST encourages people like Hawthorne to increase activity in their lifestyle. When asked about the potential drawbacks of the DST, Aiden Kim, an 11th grader, mentioned, “people who work on night shifts would have to adjust their schedules, when they already sleep during the day and wake up at night, which is already unhealthy. But then they’d also have to work an additional hour.” Kim brings up the topic of people working night shifts, advocating concern for DST being another obstacle in their jobs. This shows a consensus of people who think that the extra hour for sunlight is an overall benefit; however, the time switch in March and November is seen as the biggest negative of the DST. Therefore, the DST should exist if it will remain permanent and not require any time changes.
