AAA warns different morning, evening commute due to time change

An extra hour of sleep means earlier sun for the morning commute and darkness for the evening commute.

AAA reminds Ohio motorists to prepare for related changes during their commutes due Daylight Saving Time coming to an end, according to a release.

“90 percent of drivers’ reaction time is dependent upon their vision, which is limited at night,” said AAA Public Affairs Manager Cindy Antrican. “Motorists should focus on night driving safety measures the moment the sun sets. It’s one of the most challenging times to drive because motorist’s eyes are frequently adjusting to the increasing darkness.”

The time change can also disturb sleep patterns, and when combined with earlier darkness, it can become a formula for drowsy driving and fatigue-related crashes, read the release.

Symptoms of drowsy driving can include having trouble keeping eyes open and drifting from lanes or not remembering the last few miles driven, but over half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experience no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

“While many will enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, few commuters and motorists realize the added dangers that can come as the result of a time change, especially when they are behind the wheel,” said Antrican. “Although we gain an hour of sleep, our sleep patterns are disrupted. This can result in drowsy driving episodes and it is unsafe to drive when we are feeling sleepy.”

AAA tips for drivers:

• Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, but if you're feeling drowsy, pull over and rest or call a family member, friend, or 9-1-1 for assistance
• Reduce speed and increase following distances
• Turn on headlights to become more visible during early morning and evening hours
• Keep headlights and windows clean
• Don't use high beams when other cars or pedestrians are around
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and don't pass cars stopped at crosswalks