Time Change Brings Safety Challenges for Drivers

Time Change Brings Safety Challenges for Drivers

By Montrae Waiters, Spokesperson for GA AAA – The Auto Club Group

Now that daylight saving time has ended, mornings become brighter and darkness arrives earlier, creating new visibility challenges during the evening commute.

“Drivers can expect a noticeable change in their commute almost overnight,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Morning sun glare can make it difficult to see the road ahead, while earlier darkness makes pedestrians and cyclists harder to spot in the evening. Slow down, leave extra space and stay focused, especially around intersections and crosswalks.”

Earlier Darkness Creates Risks for Pedestrians

The shift back to standard time means more evening travel will occur after sunset. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the increase in pedestrian fatalities since reaching a historic low in 2009 has occurred almost entirely in darkness, primarily on urban arterial roads.

Research from IIHS also found that pedestrian deaths rise when standard time resumes, reinforcing the increased risks pedestrians and bicyclists face in low-light conditions.

Drowsy Driving Rema...