"Fall Back" To Cautious Driving as Daylight-Saving Time Ends

23 October 1998

"Fall Back" To Cautious Driving as Daylight-Saving Time Ends

    SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 22, 1998--Another hour of dangerous driving looms this weekend with the shift from daylight-saving time to standard time on Sunday at 2:00 a.m.
    "Night driving is more dangerous this time of year due to several factors," said Bronwyn Hogan, AAA spokeswoman. "A longer period of darkness means less visibility, increased chance of driver fatigue and the fact that more drunk drivers are out there on darker roads. This requires motorists to be especially careful as we adjust to the time change."
    According to the National Safety Council, death rates per mile traveled are four times higher at night than during the day. Between October 1995 and February 1996, there were 1,800 collision deaths and over 82,000 injuries on the roads throughout California, according to the California Highway Patrol. Not only is it harder to see at night, but stationary and moving lights can distract drivers.


AAA offers these tips to improve your safety during night driving:

--   Be aware that night driving requires more concentration.

--   Don't rush. Allow more time to reach your destination.

--   Watch for cars weaving in and out of traffic. There are more
     drinking drivers at night.

--   Don't stare at oncoming lights.

--   Adjust your mirrors for night driving.

--   Avoid night driving if you have a vision problem. Remember, night
     vision often decreases with age.

--   Keep headlights, windows, mirrors and eyeglasses clean.

--   Make sure you are well-rested before you begin a long drive. Stop
     every two hours, or every 100 miles to rest.

--   Eat light meals. Heavy meals tend to cause sleepiness.

Established more than 90 years ago, the Northern California, Nevada and Utah AAA affiliate offers a wide variety of automotive, insurance, travel and financial services. It is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.