With darker evening commutes, watch for pedestrians

RICHMOND, Va. — On Nov. 3 at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time will come to an end as we set our clocks back one hour. With dusk arriving an hour sooner, traveling in darker conditions can increase the risk of vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Drivers should prepare to adapt to the time change and the risks it brings. One of the biggest adjustments will involve less visibility during the evening rush hour, so motorists and pedestrians and other vulnerable road users should be extra attentive. Other risks include fatigue that can contribute to drowsy driving and compromised night vision, especially for older people. 

About half of all traffic fatalities occur at night, according to the Federal Highway Administration, although only about one quarter of travel occurs after dark. Dangerous nighttime driving also disproportionately affects pedestrians. Last year in Virginia, more than 75% of pedestrian deaths occurred at night, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. That makes seeing and being seen critical at night for motorists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. 

NAVIGATING IN THE DARK  

Night driving is dangerous because visibility is limited to about 250 feet for normal headlights, which creates less time to react to something in the road, especially when driving at higher speeds. VDOT urges people to follow these safety tips for driving in the dark: 

• Aim your headlights correctly, and make sure they're clean. 
• Dim your dashboard. 
• Look away from oncoming lights. 
• Clean the windshield to eliminate streaks. 
• Slow down to compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time.  

For vulnerable road users: 

• Be predictable, follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.  
• Wear reflective clothing and carry a blinking light or flashlight. 
• Plan a route in a well-lit area with safe crossings. 
• Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, and be alert.  
• Walk on sidewalks facing traffic. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as possible. 
• Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways.  
• Cross at crosswalks or intersections – where drivers expect pedestrians. While crossing, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.  

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).