BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) – With Daylight Savings Time ending on November 3, darker conditions could create more incidents between vehicles and pedestrians, the Virginia Department of Transportation said. That’s why VDOT has provided some facts and tips on staying safe and driving in the dark.

VDOT said one of the biggest changes drivers will face will be reduced visibility during evening rush hour. People on the road need to be more aware of their surroundings, whether they’re driving or not, and VDOT said nearly half of traffic fatalities occur at night.

The Federal Highway Administration added that most traffic fatalities occur at night, but only a quarter of trips occur after dark.

Here are some tips from VDOT for driving in the dark:

• Aim your headlights correctly and make sure they are clean
• Darken your control panel
• Look away from oncoming lights
• Clean windshield to eliminate streaks
• Slow down to compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time

For vulnerable road users:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals
• Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashing light or flashlight
• Plan your route in a well-lit area with safe passages
• Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs
• be careful
• Walk on sidewalks facing traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk away from traffic as much as possible, facing traffic.
• Watch out for backed up cars
• Cross at pedestrian crossings or intersections

VDOT said driving at night can be dangerous because visibility for regular headlights is limited to about 250 feet. This means drivers have less time to react to something on the road.

Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.