Features » General
PUTTING THE CLOCKS BACK
Dave Bull / 2009-10-16 11:36:51
We all change our clocks and watches by one hour, twice a year, in the spring, we add an hour, and in the autumn, we do the reverse, and adjust our clocks back and gain an hour in bed, but those dreaded dark evenings are well and truly on their way after next Sunday (25th October) when it’s time for the clocks to be turned back.
WHY?
The debate as to whether the clocks should change has been going on for a long time however changing the clocks started in 1916 during World War 1 and the idea was to reduce our dependency on artificial lighting in the mornings and so economize on energy but after the war the UK decided to carry it on along with the rest of Europe.
However many people argue that it’s unnecessary and that it disrupts sleep patterns as well as making the days feel shorter in autumn and winter and even a recent study has shown that rather than saving energy, the darker evenings means that most people actually use 5% more electricity between 4-6pm than they did before, therefore increasing our carbon footprint.
There are also figures that show that there are more accidents on the road when the clocks go back in autumn because there are more people walking, cycling or driving in the dark. Also many school children go to after school clubs and activities after school in the dark when it’s less safe to be out on the roads and the street.
STAYING SAFE
If you do find yourself out a lot in the dark make sure you're bright and cars can see you, and if you cycle remember that is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure they are all clean and working.
Tags: Time, Spain, Winter, Autumn,
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