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Sponsor cites studies linking clock changes to higher crash and health risks
Summary
Representative Wes Cantrell told the committee that recent studies show an uptick in fatal crashes and health events following spring time shifts; members asked for source materials and further verification before the committee acts.
Representative Wes Cantrell told the committee that academic studies motivated his interest in removing the twice‑annual clock change. "The University of Colorado just recently in fact last week found a 6% increase in car in fatal car accidents the week following spring forward," Cantrell said, and he also cited University of Michigan research on pedestrian injuries and a study that found a 24% increase in heart attacks after spring forward.
Cantrell argued the sleep disruption from switching clocks harms children and adults and said one more hour of evening daylight could reduce certain night‑time accidents and some juvenile crime. Committee members thanked him for the studies but repeatedly requested full citations and state‑specific analysis.
No expert witnesses or peer‑reviewed reports were submitted during the hearing; members emphasized the need to vet studies and asked staff to assemble the cited research before any policy decision. The committee did not vote and left the matter open pending further documentation and analysis.
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