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Lawmakers cite spikes in heart attacks and crashes after clock changes, call for study
Summary
Committee members pressed for empirical evidence linking clock changes to health and crash risks; Representative Price said reports show increases in ischemic strokes and heart attacks immediately after the time change and committed to gathering data through the approved study committee.
During questioning Representative Jackson and others asked for data on whether shifting clocks twice a year creates measurable health risks. Representative Price said he could not cite studies on the spot but said published reports and anecdotal evidence indicate a short-term uptick in ischemic strokes and heart attacks after the time change. “It has been reported in a number of places that in the time right after the change that, we have ischemic, strokes and an increased number of heart attacks,” he said.
Representative Caldwell and other members also cited reported spikes in car accidents following clock changes and noted practical impacts on commuters. Committee members directed that the study committee assemble medical experts and traffic‑safety analysts to provide the empirical basis for any legislative action, rather than deciding policy without evidence.
