Daylight Saving Dangers: Why Car Accidents Spike After Clocks Change

When daylight saving time ended earlier this month, most of us welcomed that extra hour of sleep. However, that gift came with a hidden cost: our evening commutes now occur in near or total darkness when the sun sets between 4:30 and 5 pm. This seemingly simple shift has created dangerous conditions on our roads, with traffic accidents spiking significantly in the weeks following the fall time change.

Understanding why these accidents occur and how to protect yourself during darker evening hours could make the difference between a safe journey home and a devastating collision.

The Darkness Dilemma

The most significant hazard of the fall time change is the sudden shift to darkness during evening rush hour. Drivers who previously traveled home in daylight now find themselves navigating roads at dusk or in complete darkness. This abrupt change catches many people off guard, as our daily routines remain the same even though visibility conditions have drastically changed.

The statistics are sobering. According to traffic safety experts, the risk of pedestrian fatalities increases by as much as 300% during evening hours after the fall time change. The hours between 5 PM and 7 PM become particularly treacherous, as this is when both vehicle traffic and pedestrian activity peak, now under the cover of darkness.

Visibility challenges multiply during this period. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing become nearly invisible, road hazards are harder to detect, and the glare from oncoming headlights creates disorienting conditions. Add in potential rain or fog, which are common in November and early December, and you have a recipe for dangerous driving conditions.

Wildlife on the Move

The fall time change coincides with another serious road hazard: peak deer activity during mating season. Deer are naturally most active during dawn and dusk, and when our evening commutes suddenly shift into these twilight hours, the risk of deer-vehicle collisions skyrockets.

November consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous months for deer-related accidents. Drivers heading home from work are now on the road precisely when deer are crossing roadways to feed and mate. These collisions can cause serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, and even fatalities. In fact, deer-vehicle crashes increase by nearly 16% during the weeks following the fall time change.

The combination of reduced visibility and increased wildlife movement creates a perfect storm for accidents that many drivers don’t anticipate.

The Adjustment Period Challenge

While the fall time change gives us an extra hour of sleep, our bodies still require time to adjust to the new schedule. The human circadian rhythm doesn’t reset instantaneously, and this adjustment period can last several days to a week.

During this transition, people often experience:

• Disrupted sleep patterns despite the extra hour
• Difficulty concentrating during late afternoon hours
• Increased fatigue as the body adjusts to earlier darkness
• Mood disturbances that can affect driving behavior

These effects are particularly noticeable during evening commutes when darkness now triggers the body’s natural sleep response earlier than it did just days before. Drivers may feel unexpectedly drowsy during their drive home, reducing alertness and reaction time precisely when visibility demands heightened attention.

Evening Commute Hazards

The darker evening conditions create multiple specific dangers that drivers must navigate:

Reduced depth perception. Our ability to judge distances decreases significantly in low light, making it harder to gauge how far away other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles actually are.

Headlight glare. Oncoming headlights can temporarily blind drivers, creating dangerous moments where visibility drops to nearly zero.

Hidden pedestrians. People walking dogs, jogging, or crossing streets become extremely difficult to see, especially if they’re not wearing reflective clothing. If you have been hit as a pedestrian, here is an essential guide to your rights.

Obscured road conditions. Potholes, debris, and other road hazards blend into the darkness, giving drivers little time to react.

School zones and residential areas. Children may still be playing outside or walking home from after-school activities, now under the cover of darkness.

Protecting Yourself on Darker Roads

Awareness and adaptation are your best defenses during this higher-risk period. Take these extra precautions during your evening commute:

Clean your windshield and headlights thoroughly. Dirt and grime that barely affect daytime visibility can create significant glare and distortion at night.

Reduce your speed. Slower speeds give you more time to react to pedestrians, animals, and road hazards that appear suddenly in your headlights.

Increase your following distance. Allow at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, giving yourself extra reaction time in reduced visibility.

Use your headlights properly. Turn them on earlier than you think necessary, and use high beams on rural roads when no other vehicles are present.

Scan the road edges constantly. Watch for eye shine from animals and movement along roadsides where deer or pedestrians might emerge.

Eliminate all distractions. Put your phone away entirely and focus completely on the road ahead. Darkness demands your full attention.

Be extra cautious in school zones and neighborhoods. Children may not be visible in dark clothing and may not follow pedestrian safety rules.

Looking Ahead

As we settle into the darker months ahead, remember that these heightened risks don’t disappear after the first week. Until daylight saving time returns in March, we’ll continue driving home in darkness. Some advocacy groups argue that permanent daylight saving time would eliminate these recurring dangers, though the debate continues.

For now, the reality is that evening roads have become significantly more hazardous. The hour we gained on our clocks shouldn’t cost us our safety. By remaining vigilant, adjusting our driving habits, and respecting the challenges that darkness brings, we can protect ourselves and others during these treacherous months. Stay alert, slow down, and remember: what you can’t see in the dark can still hurt you.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Despite our best efforts to drive safely during these darker months, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident related to poor visibility, distracted driving, or another driver’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

The Floyd Law Firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that serious accidents can take on victims and their families. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether that means covering medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, or pain and suffering.

If you have been affected by these driving conditions and have been hurt in a car accident, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement. Contact The Floyd Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.

Your focus should be on recovery. Let us handle the legal battle. Call The Floyd Law Firm now to protect your rights and SECURE the JUSTICE YOU DESERVE.