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Monday, March 4, 2024

Prepare for Daylight Saving Time

Clocks "spring ahead" Sunday morning as Daylight Saving Time begins. The change in sleep patterns can lead to drowsy driving, which can result in crashes. 

There are steps you can start take now to prepare for the loss of sleep, including going to bed earlier in the days leading up to Daylight Saving Time.

While it's challenging to determine the exact number of drowsy driving-related crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates drowsy driving contributed to about 91,000 police-reported crashes in 2017, resulting in roughly 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths. Experts suggest getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, according to NHTSA.

Daylight Saving Time also marks the unofficial start of spring. The warmer weather and additional daylight hours mean more children and adults will be spending time outside, walking, cycling and jogging. With more people out and about, drivers need to be extra alert, watch for people and share the road.

Here are some additional safety tips for Daylight Saving Time:
 

Safety Tips for People Driving

  • The time change can mean you’re driving in sun glare. Make sure your windows are clean and be extra alert for fellow motorists and people walking or cycling.
  • Expect more children and adults to be outside. Slow down and help make the streets safer for everyone.
  • Stop for people in crosswalks and those crossing at intersections, it’s the law in New Jersey. And do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
  • Avoid distractions when you’re behind the wheel — Heads Up, Phones Down.
  • When passing a person walking or biking in the road, over a full lane if possible or slow down and provide at least 4 feet when passing. (Learn more about NJ's Safe Passing Law here)


Safety Tips for People Walking

  • Use Crosswalks. When no crosswalks are present, cross from corner to corner. Do not cross between parked vehicles.
  • Wait for the walk. If there is no traffic signal, make sure it’s clear to cross. Look left, right and then left again before crossing.
  • If there are no sidewalks, walk against traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.

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