COPPELL, Texas (NEWS RELEASE) – The following is a news release from AAA Texas:
U.S. daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, when clocks are set back one hour. With the time change and fewer daylight hours, AAA Texas is urging motorists to slow down and watch out for those on foot and on bicycles during the evening commute. With darkness falling earlier, everyone who shares the roads should use extra caution as pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities have increased by 3.4 and 6.3 percent respectively, according to recently released 2018 traffic safety statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
While time of day and location are contributing factors to pedestrian fatalities, vehicle speed also plays a major role. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that pedestrians are at greater risk for severe injury or death the faster a car is traveling at the time of impact. For example, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has an 18% risk of severe injury or death. At a speed of 30 mph, just 10 mph faster, the risk more than doubles to 47%.
“Drivers can expect reduced visibility because the evening commute time will be darker,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “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 keep a three-foot distance from them,” he added.
New research from AAA also reveals that automatic emergency braking systems with pedestrian detection perform inconsistently and proved to be completely ineffective a night.
“Drivers should educate themselves on what, if any, emergency braking systems their vehicle may be equipped with and understand that not all systems perform the same across different vehicle manufacturers,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “They should not rely on these systems but be vigilant while scanning the road for adults and children, especially at night.”
Morning sun may also change visibility conditions. It could cause reflections off car windows, hoods or other metallic portions of automobiles which can be a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians. The glare may cause temporary blindness. To reduce glare, wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust your car’s sun visors as needed.
AAA Texas recommends the following tips for pedestrian safety:
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing streets so you know they see you
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing at night
- Carry a flashlight when walking or taking out pets in the dark
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
AAA Texas recommends the following tips for drivers:
- Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
- Don’t drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated.
- Watch for children and families in neighborhoods and along school bus routes, at intersections, and when backing out of driveways.
- Teen drivers should use extra caution.
About AAA
AAA provides more than 60 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas.
(News release from AAA Texas)
