Daylight Saving Time and driving: AAA tips for safe commute
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Monday will be the first-morning commute for many after Daylight Saving Time went into effect. This can be a dangerous day on the roads, according to AAA.
Moving the clocks forward one hour can cause people to feel drowsy and impact visible daylight during the morning commute.
'The first two weeks after a switch like this, after a spring forward, those are the most deadly,' said Kara Hitchens, public and government affairs manager for AAA.
AAA research found an estimated 18% of all traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021 involved a drowsy driver.
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That's why Hitchens said it's important to be awake and alert before getting behind the wheel.
'Obey your speed limits, fasten your seat belts, make sure that you're paying attention, you put your devices away and that you're focused on the road,' Hitchens said.
Now that your morning commute may be in the dark, AAA reminds drivers to look out for pedestrians.
According to the most recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, nearly 78% of pedestrian fatalities happened in the dark.
'They need to remember, you know, to be especially careful is looking out for school children as they are walking or riding their bikes to school,' Hitchens said.
If you need to travel, make sure you do it when you feel most awake. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break.
'A good 15, 20-minute power nap, no more than 30 minutes, though,' Hitchens said.
Another change that comes around the time clocks spring forward is the start of spring allergy season. Hitchens said to check your medications and be aware that some can make you feel drowsy.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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