Task 2 - DST

Nobody likes getting up when it’s dark, but that’s a small price to pay for all the advantages won by the implementation of Daylight Savings Time (DST). DST, first begun in 1916 to aid the war effort by saving fuel (text 1, line 10), has been federal law in the United States since 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act (test 4, line 32). Although there have been calls to repeal the act, DST has continued. I believe DST is an invaluable part of our country’s infrastructure because the extra sunlight improves the health of our citizens, diminishes energy use and promotes business.

Opposing arguments suggest that DST does not really impact energy use significantly. In fact, some studies suggest that the extra hour of sunlight in the evening offsets the gains made in the morning. Still, the advantages overall far outweigh the costs

More sun means better health. First, the sun is a valuable source of vitamin D. Increased exposure to the sun early in life can lower the risk of multiple sclerosis later in life. (test 2, line 18) Also, British researchers have found that “sunlight may lower blood pressure” (text 2, line 21), which is a factor in reducing the chance of heart attack. Finally, exposure to artificial light, used instead of sunlight during dark hours, can have a negative impact on not only physical but also mental health, causing “headache frequency, stress and increased blood pressure.” (text 2, line 6) Clearly, for the individual, sunlight is a necessary part of staying fit.

DST provides enormous benefits to society at large. Historically, DST was implemented during times when energy savings were necessary. (text 1) In 1973 during the oil embargo, the U.S. saved 10,000 barrels of oil. With diminishing resources and the effects of climate change, it makes sense that we should derive these benefits during good times as well. The Department of Transportation has concluded that DST reduces the number of car accidents (text 3, line 30) because driving after dark decreases visibility. Also, DST impacts the number of street crimes perpetuated on people returning from work. In Washington D.C., violent crime was reduced by 10% to 13% during DST months. (test 3, line 48) Clearly, DST has a big impact on the health of our society.

Finally, DST is good for business because “an extra hour of light in the evening could cause an increase in recreational and shopping travel.” (text 3, line 16) In addition, international business increases because there are more hours to do business with countries in different time zones, “which strengthens the overlap of U.S. business hours with Europe.” (text 3, line 51)

In conclusion, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. DST has been an integral part of our lifestyle for generations. It has a positive impact on both the individual and the society as a whole. For the reasons listed, I support the continued implementation of DST.