Love it or hate it, our annual ritual in early March – summer time – arrives this weekend.
Sunday, at 2 am, the few analog clocks still present must “advance” by one hour, going from 1 h 59 min 59 s to 3 am.
Since most of our computers, smartphones and DVRs do it automatically, it’s not as much of a chore as it used to be. Unless you have smart devices, microwave ovens and ovens are on the short list of household items that would require manual adjustment.
Here are some answers to questions about daylight saving time.
Have we gained or lost an hour?
We all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday thanks to summer time, because the day is only 23 hours. From Sunday, this time of day is basically shifted from morning to evening when summer time begins.
We do not return to standard time until Sunday, November 1.
Who is in charge of time?
Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation is in charge of daylight saving time and all time zones in the U.S. “ Time zone monitoring has been assigned to DOT because time standards are important for many modes of transportation, ” according to the ministry’s website.
Why do we observe daylight saving time?
DOT says daylight saving time is observed because it saves energy, saves lives by preventing traffic accidents and reducing crime.
The agency also claims that people tend to spend more time outside during summer time, which means they use fewer appliances and fewer lights during those eight months. In addition, according to DOT, this prevents traffic incidents because people drive more during daylight hours.
Health impacts:How daylight saving time affects your sleep and overall health
It is also a deterrent to crime, says DOT, because people are outside during the daylight, not at night, “when there are more crimes.”
What are the disadvantages of daylight saving time?
However, not everyone agrees that it offers energy saving benefits. Some studies report that the timer saves energy on lighting but is overtaken by increases in heating and cooling. It can also disrupt our sleep patterns, at least temporarily.
Other health consequences, according to studies and research, include increased headaches, heart attacks, and depression.
Which states and territories do not use daylight saving time?
Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands do not jump forward or backward.
Are there any states that would like to eliminate daylight saving time?
Yes. In Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the state legislature but is yet to be approved by Congress. Other states where bills have been passed include Washington, California and Oregon.
How did daylight saving time begin?
The United States first introduced daylight saving time during the First World War as a means of saving fuel with the Standard Time Act of 1918, also known as the Calder Act. During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated a year-round daylight saving time that was commonly known as “war time.”
When did the United States officially adopt daylight saving time?
Daylight saving time became a national standard in the United States in 1966 with the passage of the Uniform Time Act. States must either change clocks at a specified time, or adhere to standard time throughout the year.
In 2007, the federal government extended daylight saving time to reduce energy consumption. The law now specifies that daylight saving time applies from 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March to 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.
Daylight saving time now accounts for around 65% of the year.
How many countries observe daylight saving time?
Over 70 years old. Daylight saving time is known in some countries, including the United Kingdom and Europe. No one is sure how much daylight is saved each year around the world, although physics does not say.
Is it summer time or summer time?
The correct term is “summer time” (not savings), according to the Associated Press style book. The incorrect term “daylight saving time” is however commonly used, particularly in Australia, Canada and the United States. It is also supposed to be in lower case, not in upper case, according to the Associated Press.
Contributor: Ashley May, Scott Craven, USA TODAY Network