With shorter days and cooler temperatures, fall is officially here. On Sunday, November 6, daylight-saving time (DST) will end at 2 a.m. At which time, we will “fall back” and turn our clocks back one hour and gain that much needed extra hour of sleep.
Each year, the increase in darkness tends to dampen people’s alertness and poses threats to safety, especially on the road. Decreased visibility is just one of the ways that pedestrian and driver safety is at risk when DST occurs. Below are tips from the experienced attorneys at Hupy and Abraham to avoid accidents and remain alert once we lose that hour of light and gain an hour of sleep.
Daylight-Saving Time Safety Tips
Stay Alert
The combination of potentially drowsy drivers and dusk falling during the general commute hours often correlates with an increase in traffic and pedestrian accidents. Drivers and pedestrians aren’t used to the decreased visibility and it becomes difficult to distinguish objects, and judge distances and speeds of other vehicles. At dusk and in the dark, our color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised. Therefore, it is very important to be alert and conscientious while driving during this transitional period in the season.
Avoid Oversleeping
While that extra hour of sleep may feel beneficial, the earlier setting of the sun coupled with changed waking times can disrupt our body’s natural rhythms. This can contribute to a sluggish or drowsy feeling that often affects some people for several days. Be sure not to oversleep before the time change and try to keep your schedule as normal as possible.
Adjust Sleep Schedule
According to some health studies, many people experience a disruption in their internal clock when their sleep patterns are altered by DST. Even with the extra hour of sleep, the earlier setting of the sun coupled with changed waking times disrupts our body’s rhythms. This may increase drowsiness and lead many drivers to doze off at the wheel.
Keep Vehicle Visible
With dusk and darkness coming earlier, it is important for drivers to remember to turn on headlights, or use low-beam or running lights on overcast days to improve visibility, and not drive while using interior dome lights. If you’re a bicyclist, motorcycle rider or general pedestrian, consider utilizing reflective clothing and accessories to become more visible.
Prepare for Night Driving
In preparation for daylight-saving time, it is important to prepare your vehicle. Check headlights and signal lights to make sure they are clean and in good working condition. Wash the windshield and replace wipers regularly. Make sure headlights are properly aligned and mirrors are adjusted for optimal visibility.
Update Other Safety Necessities
Many people use fall DST as an opportunity to prepare for the winter months. Use DST as a reminder to check and replace batteries in fire/smoke alarms, update home security systems, construct emergency car kits and perform maintenance on vehicles to get them ready for frequent night driving and coming winter weather.
As DST approaches, we hope that you and your family experience a safe transition. If you would like to help spread awareness about pedestrian safety, you can get a FREE Watch for Pedestrians bumper sticker here, just in time for DST!
Injured in an Accident?
If you or a loved one experiences an accident during daylight-saving time due to a negligent driver’s actions, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham for a free consultation at 800-800-5678 or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.
