Persuasive Speech On Daylight Saving Time

I. Thesis Statement

Rather than fulfilling its original intent of energy conservation, Daylight Savings Time has not only become an unpopular, discombobulating nuisance but also a potential hazard to public safety and health.

II. Topic Sentence 1

Scientists have ascertained that DST results in sleep disruptions which could lead to serious health issues and potentially lethal ramifications.

a. Support

The body’s internal clock, commonly known as circadian rhythm, does not sync with the DST’s clock. This disconnect between the body’s clock and the DST’s clock can engender feelings of “restlessness, sleep disruption, and shorter sleep duration” (O’Connor).

b. Support (continue as needed)

Time change has been linked to increases in “heart attacks,

suicides, and accidents” (O’Connor).

III. Topic Sentence 2 (continue as needed)
Although DST decreases the number of traffic incidents and street crime in the spring, it could potentially increase the number of traffic accidents and the frequency of violent and property crimes in the fall.

a. Support

David Prerau claims that “another area of DST impact is crime reduction” (Prerau) as “crime [is] believed to be influenced by lighting” (Prerau). However, after DST ends, time shifts back an hour causing sunset to be earlier. If crime is affected by lighting conditions, then an earlier sunset would result in an increased crime rate.

b. Support (continue as needed)

The number of traffic accidents is likely to increase due to an earlier sunset as well as the sleep disruptions that are commonly associated with Daylight Saving Time.

IV. Topic Sentence 3 (continue as needed)

While DST’s conserves energy used to power businesses and industries, it is offset by an increased use of electricity from residential areas.

a. Support

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, DST increases overall energy consumption by “approximately 1 percent” (Kotchen) and rises to 2-4 percent in the fall. The use of air conditioning, television, lighting, and other appliances causes the residential energy demand to

rise.
b. Support (continue as needed)
In Indiana households alone, DST results in “$9 million per year in increased electricity bills” (Kotchen).
V. Concluding Statement
Daylight Savings Time has more consequences than benefits and the most sensical course of action would be to abolish or ameliorate it.