AAA warns Daylight Saving could throw off your morning commute

WHIO Staff
·2 min read

With Daylight Saving Time upon us, AAA is warning of the risk some take when they hit the road drowsy.

“While many will enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, few commuters and motorists realize the added dangers that can come as the result of a time change – especially when they are behind the wheel,” shares AAA Public Affairs Manager, Kara Hitchens.

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In 2021, the Ohio State Highway Patrol found that more crashes occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. during November as drivers adjust to the time change.

“Although we gain an hour of sleep, our sleep patterns are disrupted. This can result in drowsy driving episodes and it is unsafe to drive when we are feeling sleepy,” Hitchens added.

Each year sleep-deprived drivers cause traffic crashes that can lead to death on the roadway. Research from the AAA Foundation found that drowsy driving is a factor in an average of 328,000 crashes every year. Nearly 109,000 of those crashes lead to injuries, and 6,400 end up being fatal.

AAA tips for drivers:

  • Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you do begin to feel drowsy while driving, pull over immediately and rest or call a family member, friend, or 911 for assistance.

  • Reduce speed and increase following distances

  • Turn on your headlights to become more visible during early morning and evening hours.

  • Keep vehicle headlights and windows (inside and out) clean.

  • Do not use high beams when other cars or pedestrians are around.

  • Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

AAA tips for pedestrians and bicyclists:

  • Cross only at intersections. Look left, right, and left again, and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk.

  • Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

  • Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.

  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

  • Avoid distracted walking. This includes looking at your phone or listening to music. If you must listen to music, make sure it is at a low volume so you can hear danger approaching.

  • Bicycle lights are a ‘must have’ item for safe night riding, especially during the winter months when it gets dark earlier.