Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
More Sunshine, Permanently?
Posted March 10, 2023
Daylight Saving Time returns this weekend. For those of us who remember to set our clocks ahead one hour before falling asleep Saturday night/Sunday morning, the change likely won’t overwhelm our daily activities. For those who forget…well, your routine probably won’t be disrupted too much either. But some studies over the years have revealed there’s an increase in strokes, heart attacks, and, even, traffic accidents in the days immediately after a time change.
The general consensus remains, however, that many Americans prefer the extra hour of daylight that “springing forward” offers (opposite the dread of losing that hour of sunshine in the Fall). In a 2022 Monmouth University poll, 44 percent of respondents wanted permanent daylight saving time, 13 percent wanted permanent standard time, and 35 percent wanted to stay with the system we presently have.
So, what’s the deal with Daylight Saving Time and why all the chatter lately? Well, it seems a bill in the U.S. Senate could be making a return to the docket. Last year, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a unanimous vote, which would have nationally shifted clocks an hour later to maximize daylight. Permanent Daylight Saving Time. But the bill died in the House of Representatives.
This year, politicians, including Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), are set to resurrect the bill in hopes of passing it.
What do you think? Make the shift to an extra hour of sunlight permanent? Do away with it altogether? Stay the same?
Here’s what you said:
We should eliminate DST or, at the very least, not extend it as long as we currently do. There is significant research supporting the health advantages of maintaining our circadian rhythms consistent with those of the planet, and altering them does not enhance our health or our happiness.
Anne Constant, Annapolis
I really don't care whether we keep Standard or Daylight Savings but for the love of all that is good, please just stick with one!! I hate the Fall Back and Spring Forward, it messes me all up!!
Kelly Miller, Annapolis
Would love to have permanent day light savings time. Darkness in the morning is much better than darkness in the evening hours of winter. This would provide more time for everyone to be outside doing recreational activities.
Bonita Lang, Arnold
I prefer sunshine in the morning - the best time to exercise, go for a walk/run before work and starting the day. I didn't know about the health issues and car accidents when the time changes. Whichever provides the most morning sun - stay with that!
Karen Forsythe, Davidsonville
I'm all for keeping year-round DST. This time change isn't consistent throughout the United States anyway — Arizona and Hawaii have never used it. Since it was first developed to save energy in the early 20th century, I think it’s definitely time we do so all year now. Energy savings and more sunlight hours? Yes please!
Victoria Johnson , Chester
Let's change it.
Mary Ellen McGrath, Riva
Make it permanent.12 months.
John Blauvelt, Arnold, Md.
Yes. Make it permanent.
Michael Alexande, Annapolis
Do away with it. The body doesn't respond to it well and with all of our modern conveniences, we don't need the "extra" daylight.
Patricia Burt, Annapolis
Want to share your own feedback on this topic? Fill out the online form here to contribute to the discussion.
