Be prepared to gain one hour and to lose some daylight this Sunday, November 3. The time change and Fall time of the year also poses different potential for roadway crashes due to disrupted sleep patterns for drivers and changes in roadway lighting conditions during commute hours. Here are a few tips on driving safely after daylight saving time ends:
- Do not drive when feeling drowsy and be especially careful when driving, biking, or walking during the darker hours of the day.
- As the temperature gets colder, morning frost on the windshield may be more common, which impairs driver ability to see the road clearly. Always take the time to defrost the windshield, and never drive without being able to see through the windshield.
- Watch out for sun glare from the sunrise and sunset period, which tends to overlap with morning and afternoon commute times. Make sure the windshields are clean, wear sunglasses, and use the vehicle’s sun visor when needed. If the sun is in your eyes and is causing you to have trouble seeing the road ahead, slow down regardless of the posted speed limit. It is the drivers responsibility to ultimately drive at the appropriate speed given the roadway condition.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are highly encouraged to wear high visibility clothing, install reflective materials or lights on bikes, and be attentive when walking or biking on the road or sidewalk area in low light or dark conditions.
Learn more about staying safe on the road. Also, daylight saving time is always a good reminder to check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide batteries to ensure they're working properly.
