Tomorrow marks the start of Daylight Savings Time. During this period, Americans will lose one hour of sleep for the sake of making the day longer.
In prior years, Daylight Savings Time was largely treated as a standard tradition without much thought or mainstream attention given to it. Many people accepted the “spring forward, fall back” ritual as just a part of life.
However, things are different in 2021. Amid the multiple health issues stemming from coronavirus, government restrictions and more, Daylight Savings Time is under a new, scrutinous microscope.
According to Washington Examiner, there is a growing campaign against Daylight Savings Time altogether.
No More Daylight Savings Time?
According to health officials, Daylight Saving Time during the spring season is linked to strokes, injuries in the workforce, and even suicides. Some of these officials, therefore, advise that the nation should pick a permanent time and then stick with it; meanwhile, others in the health community advocate against any system involving continous back-and-forth shifts.
There’s no better time to make Daylight Saving Time year-round than after this cold and dark COVID winter. I'm cosponsoring the Sunshine Protection Act to improve public health and let everyone enjoy an extra hour of sunlight every day of the year. https://t.co/uGsfStn0L2
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) March 9, 2021
Politicians also have their own gripes against Daylight Savings Time. In a rare turn of events, there is actually some bipartisan support for establishing the permanence of Daylight Savings Time and ending the present “spring forward, fall back” system.
Thus far, the Sunshine Protection Act sponsored by Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio has backing from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers.
Sentiment from the American Public
By and in large, the American public appears supportive of doing away with Daylight Savings Time changes.
Those in favor of a set, permanent time argue that the merits are overwhelming. For example, supporters of the Sunshine Protection Act assert that evening times with daylight lessen the likelihood of robberies and car crashes. Moreover, less energy is used when the sky stays brighter for longer periods and more kids are able to play outside.
*"have" obviously. Got too excited and didn't reread.
— Elizabeth Crisp (@elizabethcrisp) March 9, 2021
Coronavirus has drastically changed certain outlooks, habits, and practices. A stronger sentiment in favor of ending Daylight Savings Time changes is just one of several examples. In the periods that lay ahead, Americans can expect to hear more conversations regarding Daylight Savings Time.
Should the Sunshine Protection Act pass and become law, it would become the first widely bipartisan bill passed under the Biden administration.
What is your view on Daylight Savings Time? Are you in favor of springing forward and falling back or do you think there should be a set, permanent time? Let us know in the comments section below.
