Motorists and Pedestrians Urged to Take Caution as Daylight Savings Time Ends

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM Sunday, meaning the clocks will be turned back one hour. It also serves as a reminder for motorists to be alert to any disruptions to their usual routines. According to AAA, an earlier sunset and longer periods of darkness can increase risks for everyone on the road, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Elizabeth Carey, a spokesperson for AAA of Western and Central New York, advises taking extra precautions...

Elizabeth Carey: be wary of pedestrians

AAA is providing the following tips for drivers:

• Watch carefully for pedestrians when backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
• Turn on headlights at dusk and whenever visibility is reduced.
• Leave extra following distance between vehicles, especially during sunrise and sunset, when glare can impair vision.
• Stay alert for children and pedestrians who may be outdoors during darker afternoon and evening hours.
• Eliminate distractions, including cell phone use, and ensure vehicle clocks and settings are updated following the time change.
• Be especially vigilant for deer and other wildlife. New York reported 36,743 animal-related crashes in 2024, averaging one crash approximately every 15 minutes, many occurring during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours.

AAA adds that pedestrians can improve their safety by doing the following:

• Wearing reflective or light-colored clothing and carrying a flashlight when walking at night.
• Staying in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Using sidewalks and designated pathways.
• Walking facing traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.
• Making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and never assuming a driver can see you.