Facts: Daylight Saving Time
What is the purpose of Daylight Saving Time?
While not necessarily advocating changing time, Benjamin Franklin urged his fellow countrymen to work during daylight and sleep after dark, thus saving money on candles. (It was likely made as more of a joke comment in the beginning.)
But daylight saving time saves energy, according to the U.S. Transportation Department.
During daylight saving time, the sun sets one hour later – and presumably, people will use less electricity for lights, appliances because it stays light longer, and they may spend more time outside.
The government also says it saves lives, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime as more people are out and about during daylight, as well as traveling to school and work when it's light out.
FACTS:
The correct spelling is daylight saving time and not daylight savings time, as is commonly believed. “Saving” is used as a participle and not as a possessive.
Daylight saving time negatively affects night owls more than morning people.
Researchers found a 2% decrease in SAT scores when the tests were administered after daylight saving time.
Most of Canada observes daylight saving time, except for most of Saskatchewan and parts of northeastern British Columbia.
About 70 countries around the world observe DLS. Many countries near the equator do not adjust their clocks for daylight saving.
