When the Clocks Fall Back: Why Evening Commutes Get More Dangerous for Montgomery County Pedestrians

As clocks fall back this time of year, most people celebrate. At least at first, it feels like it “gives” us an extra hour of sleep. 

Of course, that feeling is short-lived. After a day or two, the happiness of those few extra hours in bed gives way to the reality that our morning and evening commutes will now be in the dark. 

Daybreak and twilight driving challenge drivers. Cyclists and pedestrians are more difficult to see. It may also be harder to judge how much time you need to stop to avoid accidents with other vehicles. In short, with daylight saving time approaching, Montgomery County drivers must be more vigilant. 

Time Changes Do Not Impact The Number of People on Area Roads

Just because clocks fall back an hour doesn’t mean the activities many of us do each day will change. We still commute to and from work, take kids to soccer practice, and go for leisurely walks after dinner. 

The most noticeable difference is that, now that Fall is here, all these morning and evening activities take place in conditions with decidedly worse visibility. No one stops living their lives just because there are fewer daylight hours. 

Intersections, suburban streets, town squares, and Fall gatherings all bring pedestrians into close proximity to traveling vehicles. What was a well-lit commute in the Summer and early Fall is now a dark and potentially treacherous roadway for area drivers. Distinguishing between darkness and a pedestrian wearing dark clothes isn’t always easy. 

Don’t Discount Wildlife on Area Roads

Deer abound in Montgomery County and are especially active in the mornings and evenings. Coincidentally, these are peak traffic times for humans, too. Anyone who has ever seen a vehicle collide with a deer, or vice versa, can attest to how serious a wildlife accident can be. 

A deer striking the side or front of a vehicle can cause significant injuries. When an accident occurs, a driver must be prepared to render aid to those who require it. If the driver is injured and cannot exit the vehicle safely, emergency personnel must assist while the driver is incapacitated. All of these issues impact the life of the injured driver moving forward. 

Daylight Saving and the Human Body

People are creatures of habit. We thrive on doing the same things, at the same time each day. There may be some necessary variation in schedules from day to day. However, the symmetry of our day-to-day lives is what helps humans function better. Humans are not machines, but our brains and bodies work better together when outcomes are predictable. 

Driving in the darkness or near-darkness is anything but predictable. Reduced visibility is one issue, but changes to our sleep patterns also affect how attentive a driver may be. As sleep schedules shift, drivers’ bodies across Montgomery County will take time to adjust. As a result, the first week or two of Daylight Saving Time can be especially treacherous for pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow drivers in the area. 

Steps Drivers Can Take to Prevent Accidents

While no surefire way exists to prevent accidents, Montgomery County drivers can take steps to greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. 

First, drivers should not underestimate the importance of a clean windshield. An unobstructed view of the roadway significantly reduces accident risk. In low-visibility conditions, tenths of a second matter. When it is already difficult to see pedestrians and wildlife, why make it harder with a dirty windshield?? Consider checking both the front and rear windshields, as well as all windows, before starting the vehicle.

While it may be the last thing a driver wants to hear during their morning or evening commute, driving more slowly can be extremely beneficial for avoiding accidents. For instance, driving at the speed limit instead of 15 miles per hour over the posted limit can make a big difference in preventing accidents. Small details make a major difference when driving at night. 

Finally, one additional step can help keep roads safer. Make sure that cell phones and other electronic devices are stored safely out of reach while operating the vehicle. It is easier said than done, but if we think the milliseconds saved by driving the speed limit matter, what about the multiple seconds you may save by putting down a cell phone?

What to do After a Car Accident?

Suppose that an accident cannot be avoided? What can an injury victim do once the dust has settled? Consider the following as a roadmap towards injury and financial recovery:

• Seek medical attention. Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or see a primary care physician. 
• Document everything possible at the scene of the accident. If you can, exit the vehicle and take photos of the other vehicles involved, the roadway surface, and any visible injuries. 
• Keep track of medical bills, missed workdays, and any other negative outcomes resulting from the accident. This information forms the basis of the economic damages you may allege in a personal injury claim. 

Were you injured in a car accident? Contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. 

Experience matters for Montgomery County car accident attorneys. Contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. for a free case review.