The evening commute just got darker due to the end of daylight saving time. It also suddenly became much deadlier for motorists and pedestrians alike.
An AAA analysis of crash data during the 5 p.m. hour, both nationally and in Massachusetts, shows a significant spike in crashes in the days following the move to eastern standard time.
In the first week following the time change, fatal pedestrian crashes across the United States in the 5 p.m. hour increased by 678 percent from 2010 to 2019, from an average of 2.3 a week to 17.9. Fatal car crashes increased by 73 percent during the same time period, increasing from 26.2 per week to 45.3.
In Massachusetts, the surge in crashes doesn’t stop after this week. From 2016 to 2020, there was a 53 percent increase in crashes during the 5 p.m. hour in the four weeks following the time change as compared to the four weeks prior, jumping from an average of 27 a day to 42. For pedestrians, the chance of being struck by a car increased 274 percent over the same period.
“The adjustment period after the clock change can be lengthy and drivers are more likely to drive drowsy, or be out of practice with driving in the dark,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “It’s essential for everyone to be extra vigilant about staying alert during these critical weeks as we all adjust to the changing conditions and earlier darkness.”
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, despite viewing drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous, 17 percent of motorists admit to driving when they were so tired, they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the previous 30 days. (2020 Traffic Safety Culture Index). Drivers who have slept for less than 5 hours have can have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. Even missing one or two hours of sleep can nearly double the risk of a crash.
AAA recommends that drivers:
- Should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and should instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
- Travel at times of the day when they are normally awake.
- Avoid heavy foods.
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.
To adjust to darker conditions, AAA recommends that drivers make sure their vehicle is in good repair with an emphasis on their headlights, which can show signs of deterioration even after three years. Check for yellowing, clouding and other changes in appearance. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops, including AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Additionally, AAA recommends drivers:
- Compensate for reduced visibility by decreasing your speed and increasing following distance to four or more seconds behind the car in front of you.
- Older drivers should recognize that at age 60 it takes three times more light to see the roadway than it did at age 20, and if possible plan driving times accordingly.
- Keep your eyes moving. Do not focus on the middle of the area illuminated by your headlights. Watch for sudden flashes of light at hilltops, around curves, or at intersections, because these may indicate the presence of oncoming vehicles.
- Look at the sides of objects. In the dim light, focus on the edges or outlines of objects. Your eyes can pick up images more sharply this way than by looking directly at the object.
- Avoid being blinded by oncoming high beams. If the driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to dim the lights, look down toward the right side of the road. You should be able to see the edge of the lane or the white-painted edge line and stay on course until the vehicle passes.