During twilight, light rapidly fades, increasing the level of risk for drivers. Drivers’ eyes struggle to adjust, and hazards become harder to detect. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian fatalities significantly increase when Daylight Saving Time ends, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours. During the fall time change, it’s not uncommon to see a spike in evening pedestrian fatalities by as much as 13%.

Commercial drivers are particularly affected during twilight hours, mostly because they travel through densely populated areas where more pedestrians are on the roads. The sudden switch to early darkness can catch pedestrians off guard and reduce driver visibility, making it harder to spot hazards, and therefore avoid them.

Increased fatigue and alertness challenges

Losing an hour of daylight disrupts natural sleep patterns, potentially impacting alertness during evening shifts. Studies show that people sleep 20 minutes less each night due to Daylight Saving Time. Research indicates that fatigue-related accidents tend to rise with the fall time change as the body’s circadian rhythm struggles to adjust. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that drowsy driving is a leading factor in late-night crashes. End-of-day fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making, particularly during this seasonal transition.

Safety tips for after the time change

For commercial drivers struggling with shorter days, visibility and awareness are key to fending off fatigue. Here’s how drivers can stay safe during this transitional time:

  • Adjust speed and Increase following distance. Reduced visibility in the evening calls for slower speeds and greater distance from other vehicles to allow for more reaction time.
  • Use headlights earlier. Be proactive by turning on headlights well before sunset to enhance visibility and make your vehicle more noticeable to pedestrians and other drivers.
  •  Take regular breaks to combat fatigue. Fatigue is a significant factor in crashes following Daylight Saving Time. Fleet managers and drivers should prioritize rest breaks, especially as the early sunset might disrupt people’s normal rhythm.
  • Use AI dash cams to improve driver awareness. Visibility and monitoring technology, such as Motive AI-powered dash cams, play a crucial role in alerting drivers to sudden movements and pedestrians. As a result, they’re able to increase driver awareness, even in the face of reduced visibility during twilight hours. Most importantly, AI dash cams can serve as an extra set of eyes for drivers, identifying hazards that may not immediately be visible.
  • Take advantage of Motive’s new Drowsiness AI detection. Available with Motive’s dual-facing AI Dashcams, our new Drowsiness AI detection accurately detects and alerts to early and late signs of drowsy driving, such as frequent yawning or eyes closed. Safety managers also receive these alerts, so they can quickly contact the driver and recommend taking a break.
  • Stay vigilant in residential areas. With early darkness, children and pedestrians will be harder to see, especially in poorly lit residential zones. Prioritize slower speeds and cautious scanning when approaching crosswalks, intersections, and driveways.

Ensuring safety with telematics

Motive’s telematics systems make it easy to improve safety in dark conditions. With the following tools, fleets can improve visibility along with outcomes.

  • AI-powered dash cams. These devices can detect potential hazards in real time, alerting drivers so they can adapt  to road conditions faster.
  • Telematics data. Use telematics to track unsafe driving behavior such as swerving, late braking and other fatigue-related tendencies that may increase as darkness falls earlier.
  • Automatic Alerts. Motive’s real-time alerts encourage safe driving behaviors, which are essential as drivers adapt to the time change.

A community effort

For both commercial drivers and the general public, awareness and caution are crucial. Staying vigilant and making use of AI-powered technology can help prevent accidents and ensure that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists make it home safely each night. Motive’s AI Dashcams, telematics systems, and real-time safety alerts can shield drivers from nighttime risks during this challenging season.

Get in touch to learn how our solutions can enhance safety, reduce risk, and keep your drivers safe all year round.

Visit gomotive.com to see how Motive’s technology can make a difference in your fleet’s safety and efficiency during peak season, and beyond.