Crashes climb in New Jersey’s evening rush after clocks fall back, AAA data shows
Figures from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety show crashes in the 5 p.m. hour rose 43% from October to November last year. Pedestrian crashes in that same hour rose 65%.
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Clocks fall back one hour on Sunday at 2 a.m., and the first weeks of darker evening commutes can be among the most dangerous on New Jersey roads, according to state crash data provided by AAA Northeast.
Figures from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety show crashes in the 5 p.m. hour rose 43% from October to November last year. Pedestrian crashes in that same hour rose 65%.
By the time many people head home from work Monday, it will already feel like nighttime. AAA says the sudden drop in visibility is a primary cause of the spike.
Fatigue also plays a role. Even though the time change gives people an extra hour of sleep, AAA says it can take days or even weeks for some people to fully adjust. Drivers often don’t recognize how tired they are. In a AAA Foundation simulated night driving study, 75% of participants who rated their drowsiness as low were moderately or highly drowsy.
Some drivers say they feel the effects.
“I’m tired of this. It really messed up my schedule, in terms of going to bed, I get all confused,” said Daniel, a driver from Bayville.
AAA recommends for drivers to:
Slow down and leave four or more seconds between their vehicle and the one ahead.
Slow to about 5 mph when turning, especially where street lighting is poor or pedestrians are likely. Don’t try to beat a yellow light while turning.
Check headlights, which can yellow and cloud after as little as three years and keep windshields clean.
Watch for sun glare, which can now impact commuters at earlier hours.
Get at least seven hours of sleep before driving. Drivers who feel drowsy should pull over somewhere safe, lock the doors and take a short nap.
Glare from other vehicles is a concern for some drivers, too. Adam Berry, of Ramsey, said the lighting on newer vehicles and roadways can make winter evening commutes harder.
“With the new LED lights and everything going on, sometimes I’m blinded on the road, so I can see crashes going up,” Berry said.
AAA advises drivers blinded by an oncoming vehicle’s high beams to look down toward the right side of the road and stay on course until the vehicle passes.
