Pearson Adult Learning Centre: Weekly Feature
Daylight Savings Time
by Rick
Daylight
savings time is the practice of changing the clocks by one hour to
maximize the amount of daylight we experience during the year. As
spring approaches we “spring ahead” one hour. For example, at a chosen
time, 2:00 am on the second Sunday of March, we move the hour hand
ahead to 3:00 am. On Saturday, the sun was rising at 6:28am; on Sunday
you wake up and it rises at 7:26. Similarly the sun sets an hour later
at 7:18 pm instead of 6:18pm. While it is often hard to get to work on
time on that first Monday, I find it is easier if I go to bed at my
regular time. In the autumn, as the days get shorter again, we “fall
back” one hour.
Personally, I appreciate the extra sunlight I
experience because of these changes, yet there are a few problems with
making the switch. I have missed more than one religious service on
these Sundays, and my wife’s aerobics instructor was late to class
yesterday. Additionally, car accidents spike during these seasonal
changes as drivers are more tired and less ready to drive.
On
the other hand, DST gives us an opportunity to keep our families safer.
One news item I read suggests using the DST schedule as a reminder to
check the batteries in your smoke detectors. They should be checked
twice a year, so DST can help us to remember. In Canada DST helps us
reduce our energy consumption by maximizing our natural light. In the
long run, traffic accidents are reduced as more driving is done in
daylight hours. Furthermore our bodies are able to make more vitamin D.
Another
thing to remember is to reprogram your VCR or PVR. It can be
frustrating when you expect to settle down to watch your favourite show
and, instead realize you taped an infomercial selling “Hits of the 70’s”
If
all this clock-switching causes you too much anxiety, you can always
move to Saskatchewan. This province has chosen to opt out of DST
because it adversely affects farming. But beware. Your favourite
programs that originate outside the province will change their airing
times while Saskatchewan rebels.
(March 14, 2010)
Visit Last Week's Feature: Spring Break 2010
Weekly Feature Index
(Includes all 2002 to date Weekly Features with descriptions)
Resources for
Adults Completing
High School