Daylight Saving Time this weekend signals the arrival of Spring and for drivers it can pose a danger on roads, warns AAA Northeast.
Since DST begins Sunday at 2 am, AAA reminds drivers that losing an hour of sleep could create some morning drive challenges, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
“The time change brings greater risks in the form of concentration, attention and decision-making,” Mayko said. “It also means a change of driving habits because when you snooze behind the wheel, you lose.”
For example, in Connecticut, there have been more than 7,500 crashes with drivers experiencing fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel in the last five years, said Mayko.
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports drowsy driving is a factor in 10% of crashes nationwide, a figure, traffic safety experts believe is under-reported.
As days become longer, more vulnerable users – children, pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists – also will most likely be outdoors, she added. That means motorists should:
- Be vigilant when backing out of driveways or in parking lots;
- Leave greater following distance between you and the car in front of you, especially if you’re driving into the sunrise or sunset; and
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and don’t pass vehicles that stop at crosswalks.
On the other hand, pedestrians should:
- Only cross at intersections or crosswalks rather than jaywalk or cross between parked cars;
- Walk facing traffic on roadways without sidewalks;
- Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing at night;
- Avoid walking in streets as you text. If you must use your phone, keep your eyes on traffic and listen to hear approaching danger.