With the US Daylight-saving having ended Sunday and clocks now set back an hour, AAA has provided safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians.
AAA is recommending vehicle owners take time to replace deteriorated headlight lenses. A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that cloudy headlight lenses that were restored doubled the maximum light intensity and reduced glare-producing light scatter by 60 percent. Yet only 20 percent of Americans have performed this service on their vehicles.
From cloudy headlight lenses to the body clock, the time change also can cause disturbed sleep patterns in drivers, and when combined with the earlier dusk and darkness during the evening commute, become a formula for drowsy driving.
In November 2014 the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found the impact of having drowsy drivers on the road is considerable. Drowsy drivers are involved in an estimated 21% of fatal crashes, up from 16.5% from the previous 2010 study, as most drivers drift out of their lanes or off the road. Drivers themselves are often crash victims who die in single-car crashes.
The Auto Club recommends that motorists adjust their driving habits and also watch for children and others outdoors who will be less visible, especially during the first weeks of the change.
The morning sun may cause reflections off car windows, hoods or other metallic portions of automobiles and can be a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians, according to Lorz Villagrana. “The glare may cause temporary blindness. To reduce glare, invest in and wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust your car’s sun visors as needed,” she added.
Late afternoon driving also presents a similar glare problem, so the same recommendations apply. “Drivers can also use the night setting on the rearview mirror to avoid glare from oncoming headlights,” she said.
In addition, children, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists likely will continue to be outside but will be a lot less visible during the evening commute. The Auto Club recommends that motorists slow down and be extra alert, particularly in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Motorists should provide bicyclists with a three-foot buffer for safety and slow to a safe and reasonable speed when passing a bicyclist if they can’t get three feet away.
Pedestrian Safety:
- See and be seen –drivers need to see you to avoid you
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing streets
- Do not jaywalk or cross the street between parked cars.
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing at night
- Carry a flashlight when walking or walking pets in the dark
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
- While walking, put your cell phone in the pocket and avoid listening to your music player at a volume that prohibits you from hearing approaching danger.
Drivers Safety:
- Take time to replace deteriorated headlight lenses
- Pay greater attention and be self-aware of distracted driving
- During rain, drivers are reminded to slow down.
- Drivers should also watch for children and families in neighborhoods and along school bus routes, at intersections, and when backing out of driveways.
- Teen drivers should exercise extra caution.
- Do not use high beams when other cars or near pedestrians.
Source:
http://news.aaa-calif.com/news/are-you-and-your-car-ready-for-daylight-saving-time-change
