Thinking It Through: Why the Time Change Is Good for Michigan

Most of us would tend to agree that changing the clocks twice a year is annoying. The whole "spring forward" and "fall back" ritual seems to be something we all begrudge.

But as much as we might hate it, the time change is in Michigan's best interest.

There's a renewed move afoot to adopt either Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time year-round throughout the country. Might be tempting, but there are several reasons either change would be a bad idea for Michigan.

Why We Need to "Spring Forward"

When we "spring forward" and move our clocks an hour ahead each March, we get extra daylight in the evening, which helps businesses like restaurants, stores and parks. People are more likely to go out and spend money when it's still light outside after work or school.

SEE ALSO: Did You Know Michigan Wasn't Always Part of the Eastern Time Zone?

A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that Daylight Saving Time increases economic activity and even reduces traffic accidents by giving people more daylight to drive safely.

Why We Need to "Fall Back"

Some people think we should stay on the same time all year, but that could cause more issues.

Get our free mobile app

If we stuck with Daylight Saving Time all year, winter mornings would be really dark, making it dangerous for kids and workers traveling in the morning.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine actually prefers Standard Time, stating that "the U.S. should eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time. Current evidence best supports the adoption of year-round standard time, which aligns best with human circadian biology and provides distinct benefits for public health and safety."

For example, above you can see winter sunrise times and summer sunset times as they currently exist for Lansing, Michigan. Compare what a change to year-round Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time would mean. Not sure anyone's in favor of those results.

What would changing to either practice year-round mean where you are in Michigan? Take a look below.