Time to spring ahead

Canadice Press –

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2 a.m.— time for us all to set our clocks ahead to 3 a.m.

Despite the recent snowstorm reminding us that we are still in the midst of winter, Spring is fast approaching. We are already seeing longer days and more sunlight.

Now that the days are getting longer, it is time for the yearly spring forward change in time.  With the start of Daylight Saving Time, on March 11th, we “lose” an hour.  So be sure to reset any bedside alarm clocks and other manual* clocks and watches to get to where you are going on time!

* If you have any – most cell phones and other “smart” devices change automatically.

Saving Time originated in 1916 during World War I as a means of conserving fuel used for electric power.  The US joined in the practice in 1918 in ‘An Act to preserve daylight and provide standard time for the United States.’  The federal law was unpopular and was repealed in 1919, although some states and cities continued to apply the annual change.

“War Time,” as it was called, returned during WWII.  Confusion following the war time institution of daylight saving time changes led to laws and attempts at uniformity in the decades that followed, and states retained the ability to legislate an opt out.  Arizona, Hawaii and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, currently have opt out legislation.  The areas that have opted out tend to get plenty of light year-round, making the twice yearly change a bit silly.

For most of us, from 2007 forward, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November.  Even in areas where the daylight dwindles to almost nil during the winter months, not all are in agreement (I for one would like time to stay the same).