The end of Daylight Savings Time is an annual event that many of us look forward to as we turn back our clocks and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. But the time change can also come with more risks for road users.
The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility for all road users. As people’s internal clocks adjust to the time change, there is also an increased risk of drowsy driving. When a driver is tired behind the wheel, it decreases their awareness of their surroundings, impairs their reaction time, slows their decision-making abilities and significantly increases the chance of microsleeps (when a person dozes off for a few seconds). All of these may add up to create very unsafe and dangerous scenarios.
CAA Niagara wants to remind drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert while out on the roads following the end of Daylight Savings on Sunday, November 6th. See our top safety tips below:
What drivers can do to stay safe
- Always get a good night’s sleep, especially during the days following a time change. Limit your screen time and exposure to light right before bed and maximize your exposure to sunlight during the day to ensure a swift change of your internal clock.
- Be aware of blind spots when making turns at intersections. Check sidewalks for oncoming pedestrians before making right turns.
- Avoid distractions inside and outside of your vehicle.
- Be aware of other drivers who may drift between lanes or stop abruptly. Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you have time to react.
What cyclists and pedestrians can do to stay safe
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
- When crossing the street, use designated intersections and crosswalks. Be sure to make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
- If travelling after dark, stick to well-lit areas and make sure you’re visible to other road users.
- Wear light or reflective clothing when out on the road to help drivers see you.
- As a cyclist, you should have a white front light, red rear light or reflector and a working bell on your bike.
With these tips, our hope is that everyone can enjoy a smooth and safe transition into winter.
For more road safety tips and resources, visit caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety.