Earlier this morning, Scioto Analysis released a new study measuring the economic impact of daylight savings time. We found that if Ohio switched to permanent daylight savings time, the state could see net economic benefits ranging between $39 and $41 million annually.
The most significant impact of permanent daylight savings time would be the impact it has on reducing crime. Having the extra hour of daylight in the evening has been found to lead to fewer crimes each year. By adjusting the clocks so the sun sets an hour later for part of the year that is currently standard time, we expect there to be a reduction in crime. We project Ohio would save $9.4 million every year from crimes prevented by changing to permanent daylight saving time.
If Ohio were to convert to permanent standard time, we project the state to see total benefits between $36 and $39 million. In this scenario, having the daylight be permanently earlier in the morning would lead to less energy use for Ohioans.
The other benefits of switching to permanent daylight savings time are related to removing the bi-annual changing of the clock , which research has shown can cause additional car crashes and lower productivity.
Currently, states are not allowed to operate on permanent daylight savings time, only permanent standard time. In order for Ohio to permanently set their clocks on daylight savings time, a federal change would need to happen first.
This study is part of a series of cost-benefit analyses conducted by Scioto Analysis. Previous cost-benefit analyses were conducted on the recreational marijuana, child tax credit, harmful algal blooms, and urban canopy programs.All previous cost-benefit analyses can be found on the Scioto Analysis website.