I always try to take the optimistic approach to change. Those who really know me know that I don't always care for or adjust to change very well. However, I have learned that looking at the cup half full has its benefits.

I try to insert the word "improve" where the word "change" might be mentioned. The same goes for this new time change. Again, I was a bit pessimistic at first, and then I did a little research and found there are several benefits to the time change, or should I say improvement.

Daylight Saving Time saves energy. Energy use and the demand for electricity for lighting our homes are directly connected to when we go to bed and when we get up. This means that less electricity would be used for lighting and appliances late in the day.

We also use less electricity because we are home fewer hours during the longer days of spring and summer. Most people plan activities during the daylight hours. While the amounts of energy saved per household are small, adding them up can be very large.

Daylight Saving Time saves lives and prevents traffic injuries. Traveling from work, school and evening events is safer in daylight than in darkness. The Department of Transportation estimated that 50 lives were saved and about 2,000 injuries were prevented in March and April of the study years. The department also estimated that $28 million was saved in traffic accident costs.

There doesn't seem to be sufficient evidence at this time to support the claim that Daylight Savings Time prevents crime. But again we are looking at time "change" as an "improvement," so let's be optimistic.

"Sieze the daylight" and enjoy the benefits to this improvement effecting Carroll County. Source: California Energy Commission