Daylight Savings Time: State Officials Urge Caution Driving In AM

MICHIGAN -- As clocks "spring forward" to daylight saving time at 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 10, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding motorists to watch out for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists. MDOT officials say it's a hazardous time of the year.

Sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning, leaving certain people more vulnerable.

"Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. "Pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,977 pedestrians and 783 cyclists died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur during dark conditions between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. In 2015, that's when nearly three-quarters of the accidents occurred, MDOT officials said.

MDOT is working with partners statewide on the Toward Zero Deaths safety campaign based on the National Strategy on Highway Safety, which is intended to influence driver behavior and improve safety. For more information on the Toward Zero Deaths campaign, visit www.Michigan.gov/ZeroDeaths.