Shorter Days, More Crashes: How Daylight Saving Time Affects Driver Safety

Every November, Ohio drivers get an extra hour of sleep—but they also face a hidden danger: the increase in car accidents that comes with the end of Daylight Saving Time. Shorter days mean darker commutes, tired drivers, and reduced visibility on already busy roads.

According to traffic safety studies, collision rates spike in the weeks following the time change. For many drivers, the adjustment throws off their sleep schedules, slows reaction times, and makes evening driving far more dangerous.

So why does this happen—and how can you stay safe?

The Science Behind the Spike in Accidents

When we “fall back,” sunset comes an hour earlier. Suddenly, evening rush hour happens in the dark, when visibility is poor and drivers are more fatigued. The National Safety Council notes that the risk of fatal crashes increases after dark, especially during the first few weeks after the time change.

Common contributing factors include:

Reduced visibility: Dusk is one of the most dangerous times to drive. Drivers struggle to adjust to glare from headlights and shadows that obscure pedestrians or cyclists.
Driver fatigue: Even a small disruption in sleep patterns can affect focus and reaction time. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Increased wildlife activity: Deer are most active at dawn and dusk during fall—right when visibility drops. Ohio drivers see a sharp increase in deer-related collisions in November.
Distracted driving: As the roads get darker earlier, distractions like adjusting dashboard lights or phone screens can become deadly.

Evening Commuters at Highest Risk

Most Ohio drivers don’t realize how much the time change alters their driving environment. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists often increase during evening hours after Daylight Saving Time ends.

Drivers who are used to making their commute in daylight are suddenly navigating unlit or poorly lit roads. Meanwhile, pedestrians—especially children and teens—are harder to see as they walk home from school or after-school activities.

If you add rain, fog, or early frost into the mix, visibility can become dangerously low.

Staying Safe on Darker Roads

Here are a few safety tips to help reduce your risk of an accident after the time change:

Check your headlights and brake lights. Make sure they’re clean, aligned, and fully functional before driving at night.
Slow down and increase following distance. It takes longer to react in the dark.
Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. Focus on the right edge of the road to reduce glare.
Stay alert for pedestrians and wildlife. Use high beams when safe to do so, and be extra cautious on rural or wooded roads.
Get enough rest. Fatigue-related crashes rise sharply during this transition period.

What to Do If You’re in a Crash After Dark

If you’re injured in a car accident after the time change, you’re not alone. Fatigue, darkness, and poor visibility all play a role—but you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Your medical treatment, police report, and scene photos will all be key pieces of evidence in your personal injury claim. An experienced attorney can help you gather documentation, handle insurance communications, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and recovery time.

At Zaber Law, we’ve seen firsthand how Ohio’s seasonal changes affect driver safety. We know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable and help accident victims get back on their feet.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall or winter crash, call Zaber Law today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.