When clocks fall back on Nov. 1, the shift in daylight can turn a routine commute into a safety challenge.
Key points
- Morning sun glare on east‑bound and west‑bound routes can impair visibility and contribute to crashes; sunglasses, visors and a clean windshield help.
- The earlier onset of darkness after the time change raises the likelihood of drowsy driving; adequate sleep and avoiding driving while fatigued are essential.
- Increasing following distance and reducing speed provide extra reaction time when glare or reduced light is a factor.
Los Angeles residents will set their clocks back an hour on Nov. 1, ending daylight‑saving time and altering the light conditions drivers encounter during peak‑hour travel, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) of Southern California.
CHP Officer Andre Ortiz says the morning commute is especially vulnerable to sun glare, noting that drivers heading eastward at sunrise or westward at sunset often report the sun as a factor in crashes on freeways such as I‑10, US‑101 and I‑60. "Wearing sunglasses, using a sun visor, keeping a greater following distance and slowing down are simple ways to mitigate the risk," Ortiz explained.
Morning glare hazards on major freeways
Ortiz also emphasized vehicle maintenance, adding that a clean windshield—both inside and out—reduces glare and improves reaction time. Smudges or streaks can amplify the sun’s brightness, making it harder to see hazards ahead.
Even though the time change grants an extra hour of sleep, AAA safety expert Kandace Redd warns that evening commuters may face increased drowsiness as darkness arrives earlier. "Get enough rest and never drive when you’re tired," Redd advised, highlighting the link between altered sleep schedules and fatigue‑related crashes.
Evening fatigue as darkness falls earlier
Both agencies recommend practical steps: keep windows and mirrors clean, use anti‑glare accessories, plan for a slightly longer travel window, and prioritize rest. By adjusting driving habits, commuters can offset the heightened risk that the seasonal shift brings.
Reader questions
Why does the end of daylight‑saving time affect driving safety?
The clock shift changes when sunrise and sunset occur, creating brighter glare for morning commuters and darker conditions for evening drivers, both of which can increase crash risk.
What simple actions can reduce sun‑glare accidents?
Wearing polarized sunglasses, using the car’s sun visor, keeping the windshield clean and allowing extra following distance are recommended by CHP officers.
How can drivers avoid fatigue after the time change?
AAA advises maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting enough rest before traveling and avoiding driving if feeling drowsy.
Source: abc7.com