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Study: First Week Of Daylight Saving Time Means More Car Crashes

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The arrival of daylight saving time also means a spike in car crashes.

According to a study by the University of British Columbia, the number of wrecks climbs 17 percent during the first week after the clocks spring forward, 1010 WINS' Kevin Rincon reported.

"It's this change in people's sleep patterns that really affects their driving, and many of them just can't get a good night's sleep for a few days after daylight savings time is put into effect," said "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz, former New York City traffic commissioner.

Study: First Week Of Daylight Saving Time Means More Car Crashes

On Route 21 in Newark, some drivers were struggling with the time change Sunday morning.

"Yeah, first day, but after that it's a normal routine," said one driver, who added he isn't surprised by the research data.

Another man who works overnight said "maybe after one week" he will have fully adjusted.

Experts suggest that people get extra sleep and, if possible, try to arrive at work a little later than usual Monday.

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