LANSING — It’s time to fall back. Daylight Savings time ends 2 a.m. Sunday, and because of that the Michigan Department of Transportation has issued some warnings.
The MDOT reminds motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians that it will be getting darker one hour earlier when the clocks go back to Standard Time Sunday. It will be important for motorists to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists on the drive home, as they will be much less visible. Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear bright, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily.
“Driving becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change, especially in school zones” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “Drivers need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving, and pedestrians and bicyclists should take every precaution to make themselves as visible as possible. We want everyone to make it home every night.”
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) says that pedestrians are more at risk of serious injury from a motor vehicle crash in the weeks following the return to standard time. The most dangerous time is the first hour after darkness.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 4,743 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2012, while an estimated 76,000 were injured (with 14,000 of those injured being children 15 and younger). The majority of pedestrian fatalities (70 percent) occur during dark conditions between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.
While setting back the clocks, it is also a good time to change the batteries in smoke detectors.