Daylight Savings Time Ends: Set Your Clocks Back One Hour

Don’t forget to reset your clocks before hitting the sack Saturday night. It’s the time of year when we end Daylight Saving Time and return to Standard Time.

Remember the old expression; spring ahead, fall back. At 2 a.m. Sunday clocks go back one hour. That means you’ll get an extra hour of sleep Sunday morning.

This is also a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

One other thing that many people forget about — it’s also time to change your driving habits.

With the return to Standard Time darkness will fall an hour earlier. Not only that but the days are getting shorter. Sun glare in the morning and darkness will occur at different times than your used to so you need to adjust your routine.

The time change can also trigger problems with your sleep patterns. Drivers need to make sure they get enough rest. Sleep deprivation can effect your attention span.

Remember also that with darkness falling earlier, pedestrians will be harder to see.

Pedestrians should stay alert and take steps to make themselves more visible. Be careful crossing streets and always cross at the crosswalk.

Here are some important safety tips prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Motorists

• Slow down. During the evening hours, you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
• Don’t drive distracted or impaired. Any behavior that slows your reaction time, increases the risk of a crash.
• Keep in mind that pedestrians who are wearing headphones, hats or earmuffs may not hear your vehicle as it approaches.
• Keep your windshield, windows, and mirrors clean.
• Make sure your defrosters and windshield wipers are working properly and that washer fluid is replaced as needed.

Pedestrians

• Carry a flashlight or attach reflective materials – such as fluorescent tape – to clothing, backpacks, purses, and briefcases. These materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier to see you.
• Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially when adjusting to the nighttime travel environment.
• Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles. Crosswalks offer a safer alternative.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, face traffic.
• When crossing the street, look left-right-left for cars from the curb.
• Do not cross the street if a car is coming, and always use a crosswalk if available.
• Watch out for cars at every driveway and intersection.
• Stay completely focused on the road and avoid distractions like smartphones and tablets when walking.

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