The effect of extension of daylight saving time on the frequency of road traffic accidents

Background: There is still debate about the effects of daylight saving time (DST) on both energy saving and social activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of extension of DST on the frequency of road traffic accidents. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study involved 1.548 road traffic accident patients who were referred to emergency departments from December 2015 to February 2016, and from December 2016 to February 2017. The type and time of the accident, as well as the demographic characteristics of the patients involved, were recorded. Results: A total of 1.548 patients, comprising 1.071 (69.2%) males and 477 (30.8%) females, were enrolled in the present study. There were no significant differences in the number of road traffic accidents according to DST (p > 0.05). Of the patients, 773 (49.9%) were referred due to a motor vehicle accident, 554 (35.8%) due to a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident, and 221 (14.3%) due to a motorcycle accident. Conclusions: We conclude that DST had no effect on the frequency of road traffic accidents.