Safety Tips for Daylight Saving Time
Just in case you've forgotten, this is the weekend the country returns to Daylight Saving Time. That means we turn the clocks ahead one hour Saturday night / Sunday morning.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just a one hour time change can disrupt your sleep patterns resulting in drowsy driving.
It's estimated that each year, nearly 100 thousand police-reported crashes take place due to driver fatigue; many of those occurring the week after the Spring time change.
Following is a list of safety tips to better prepare for the time change:
For motorists:
- In the early morning hours, watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Also, turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible.
- Leave more following room. When the sun is in your eyes, it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing.
- Invest in polarized sunglasses; they can help reduce glare.
For pedestrians:
- Cross only at intersections or crosswalks, and only cross when it is clear. Also, don't jaywalk or cross between parked cars.
- Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.
- Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that doesn't have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
Also with the time change, chances are more children, pedestrians, walkers, joggers and bicyclists will be active outdoors. Whether you're a motorist, pedestrian or bicyclist - be courteous and cautious!