As daylight saving time ends, our morning rush hour becomes darker. Drivers will be driving with less light and as a result, the rate of pedestrian and vehicle collisions will increase during the morning rush.

It is important to make sure you concentrate on the driving task and keep scanning for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, scooters, wheelchairs and other non-illuminated road users as they will be harder to notice. Drivers need to adjust to the darker roads in the morning.

Here are some tips for safe driving:

• Be well rested when driving. Even though we ‘spring ahead’ an hour, it takes our bodies time to adjust to the time change.

• Always drive with your full head lighting system on (not just your daylight running lights). This will help to ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers, and you will be able to see further in your path of travel. Make sure all lights are fully functioning (headlights, turn signals, brake lights, car marker lights) and clean of any dirt.
• Keep your eyes moving. This is a proactive way to manage any hazard that may present itself like a jogger running onto the road or a pedestrian crossing the road without using a designated crossover.
• Maintain a good following distance. Keep space around your vehicle and make sure you are following three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This will provide you enough time to react to traffic in front.

Remember to drive appropriately for the road conditions.