Majority believes Daylight Saving Time should be banned

The Record’s online poll from Nov. 1-15 asked readers whether they think Daylight Saving should be permanently banned.

The end of Daylight Saving time was on Nov. 3, many sleep scientists and circadian biologists are pushing for a permanent ban because of potential ill effects on human health.

Research shows the time change, specifically the springtime start of daylight saving time, may be harmful, leading to more car accidents, heart attacks in vulnerable people, loss of sleep and other health problems.

In the U.S., daylight saving time runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. It was first established 100 years ago to save energy. Modern-day research has found little or no such cost savings. But many relish the extra evening hours with daylight when it begins as well as the extra hour of sleep when it ends.

The poll asking, “Do you think Daylight Saving time should be permanently banned?” received a total of 212 votes, with the majority of votes — 73 percent or 155 votes — going to option “Yes, it has more negative consequences than positive.” Twenty-seven percent of voters chose, “No, I enjoy the extra daylight and extra sleep when it begins and ends.”

A majority of poll voters think Daylight Saving time should be permanently banned because its negative consequences outweigh the positive. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think the city adopting a demolition review period for potentially historic resources would be beneficial. It can be voted on now.