AAA: Crashes rise 45 percent after DST ends

Now that Daylight Saving Time is over, many commuters face a new issue driving home: Darkness.

At the 5-6 p.m. time period when daylight fades, darkness looms, rush-hour traffic intensifies and motor vehicle-related crashes spike, according to AAA.

In fact, AAA Northeast said, in that 5-6 p.m. hour, the number of statewide motor vehicle crashes increases 45 percent while pedestrian-related crashes nearly double after Daylight Saving Time ends.

“Even though we feel we’re getting an extra hour of sleep, time changes do affect our internal body clocks,” Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokesperson, said in a release. “So, it’s important drivers prepare and make lifestyle adjustments.”

To call attention to National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week this week (Nov. 4-11 ), AAA Northeast analyzed 2015-2017 crash data from the UConn Crash Data Repository, comparing the number of motor vehicle and pedestrian-related crashes on weekdays in the month before and after Daylight Saving Time ended.

“With time changes come greater risks,” Mayko added. “Driving in the dark poses many more hazards so drivers need to be especially attentive on the way home from work.”

Drivers also need to realize that concentration, attention and decision-making could be affected by time changes, Mayko said.

The UConn Crash Data Repository lists more than 1,600 drowsy driving-related crashes in Connecticut in 2017, equivalent to one every six hours. Prior research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also found such crashes are under-reported and are much more frequent than police reports would suggest.

To avoid crashes after the time change goes into effect, AAA Northeast suggests drivers:

⏩ Follow at safe driving distances so you have time to react. Decreased visibility affects your depth perception and peripheral vision.

⏩ Approach crosswalks and intersections with care. Check for cyclists and pedestrians before turning and anticipate pedestrians crossing mid-block.

⏩ Adjust your speed to compensate for low-light conditions.

⏩ Maintain your vehicle so headlights, tail lights and signals are working; replace your wiper blades and fill your fluid reservoirs.

For pedestrians, AAA suggests:

⏩ See and be seen — Wear reflective gear.

⏩ Walk against traffic but ride bikes with traffic.

⏩ Cross at corners not in mid-block.