Be Aware: More Traffic Collisions Occur After The Clock is Turned Back
By: Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
November 19, 2025
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. On November 2, 2025, we turned the clocks back to provide more natural daylight during the winter mornings, and it allows for earlier sunrises and can be beneficial for morning activities, though it results in darker evenings.
But the earlier darkness also has proven to be a dangerous time to drive as statistics have shown that more accidents occur during the darker hours.
Repeated studies have shown that more traffic collisions occur primarily due to a combination of sleep disruption, earlier sunsets, and increased pedestrian activity in the dark.
This leads to more drowsy driving, reduced visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, and a significant increase in fatal crashes, particularly involving deer and pedestrians.
In the past two weeks, increases in traffic collisions on Interstates and local surface roads between 4 p.m.-8 p.m. have increased throughout our area as well.
During this time of year, besides the normal traffic, there is also an increase of holiday shoppers, visitors, and residents driving to special events, which can also increase the potential for more traffic collisions.
How to stay safe
- Drive cautiously: Be extra vigilant, especially during the first few weeks after the time change. Adjust your driving habits and slow down.
- Use headlights: Make sure your headlights are on, even if it’s not fully dark.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists: Be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists, who may be less visible in the dimmer light.
- Be aware of deer: Be extra cautious on roads where deer are common.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule in the days leading up to the time change to help your body adjust.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
