What the Time Change Can Mean for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

It’s almost that time of year again — when we change the time on our clocks to ‘fall back’ one hour. This year, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on November 1, 2015. While the time change occurs every year around this time of the year, one thing people don’t realize is the danger it poses for pedestrians and bicyclists.

When we change our clocks back one hour, the days seem shorter because it gets darker earlier. Unfortunately, work hours don’t change — leaving evening commuters to drive in the dark after a long day of work. Not only are people driving home from work in the dark, but many people walk and bike to and from work.

Unfortunately, many motorists don’t assume there would be people out walking or biking in the dark, so they tend not to look out for them. As a result, there are many innocent pedestrians and cyclists who suffer injuries and fatalities in crashes with cars.

In order to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe during the time change, it is important that drivers do the following things:

• Pay attention to the road and not the phone
• Be alert and always look for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists
• Only pass them when it is safe to do so and give them extra room when passing

In addition to motorists helping keep cyclists and pedestrians safe, walkers and bikers also need to take steps to increase their safety during the time change by doing the following things:

• Cyclists and pedestrians should wear reflective clothing
• Pedestrians should walk with a headlight or flashlight
• Cyclists should ensure the bike’s headlight, taillight and reflectors are working properly
• Cyclists and pedestrians should always be paying attention to the road and walk and bike without listening to music or talking on the phone

Help us increase roadway safety and minimize pedestrian and bicycle accidents during this time of the year by sharing this blog on your favorite social media site to bring awareness to this issue.