Some Say It’s Time To Leave Daylight Saving Time Behind
Ahhh, it’s that time of year again. March 9, 2025 marks our practice of advancing our clocks to ‘spring forward.’ But, some say it might be time to leave the practice of daylight saving time behind. So, let’s look at pros and cons and how it all began.
Origins Of Daylight Saving Time
Stories about the origins of Daylight Saving time vary depending on the source, and some versions are disputed. In an article from CBS, they note some theories suggest it was the brainchild of Ben Franklin, writing a satirical essay in 1784 about early risers.
Others point to the beginning of Daylight Saving time connected to a New Zealand entomologist who proposed the practice to have more daylight hours to collect bugs, which happened to be his hobby. Regardless of its humble beginnings, fast forward to 1916 when Germany became the first country to observe Daylight Saving Time in an effort to conserve fuel during World War I. The U.S. followed suit in 1918.
Arizona and Hawaii remain the only 2 U.S. states that do not observe Daylight Saving Time. And, every time it rolls around the great debate ‘should we or shouldn’t we’ always pops up. Some want to do away with the practice of switching clocks twice a year. I tend to agree. Whatever we decide, pick one and leave it alone.
Pros And Cons
Although we enjoy the longer daylight hours and later sunsets, it is a disruption to our internal clocks. Experts point out that it can take several days for us to adjust to the clock switch. It leaves us groggy and can toy with mood and mental health.
I, for one, can say that the Monday after the switch seems to lead to worsening traffic on my commute. People are tired, and it seems we see more accidents. This is also true in the fall. It’s as if folks are shocked by the early darkness and taillights surprise them.
There’s also an argument that Daylight Saving Time doesn’t actually conserve as much energy as it once appeared to. And, not only does the time shift affect humans, it can disrupt routines of livestock, who depend on consistent schedules.
Now, on the flip side…some will argue that the switch actually helps with commuter traffic due to increased visibility that comes with a later sunset. And, due to longer daylight hours, people are engaged in more shopping, recreation and dining, leading to an economic boost.
So, who knows if we’ll ever reach a consensus on the debates about Daylight Saving Time. However, I did see a list of states considering a switch. And, the Carolinas were divided. I believe North Carolina was in favor of ending it. But, South Carolina did not wish to do so. As someone who works in North Carolina, but lives in South Carolina, this would be too bizarre for us!
But, for now, it’s here. So don’t forget to spring forward this weekend!
