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Auto Club: Dangers Increase For Bicyclists, Pedestrians After Moving Clocks Back For Time Change

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Editor’s Note: B-roll of evening commute in Los Angeles https://vimeo.com/319643569

With daylight-saving time ending this Sunday and fewer daylight hours, the Automobile Club of Southern California is urging motorists to slow down and watch out for those on foot and on bicycles during the evening commute.

Darker evening commutes increase the risk of drivers killing or injuring pedestrians or cyclists. The percentage of bicyclists killed in car crashes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. jumps from 15 percent in the summer months to 25 percent in the fall and winter months, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The risk of pedestrian fatalities between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. more than doubles in the fall and winter months compared to summer months - from 14 percent of deaths to 30 percent of deaths, according to NHTSA.

While time of day and location are contributing factors to pedestrian fatalities, vehicle speed also plays a major role. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that pedestrians are at greater risk for severe injury or death the faster a car is traveling at the time of impact. For example, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has an 18% risk of severe injury or death. At a speed of 30 mph, just 10 mph faster, the risk more than doubles to 47%.

 “Drivers can expect reduced visibility because the evening commute time will be darker,” said Anita Lorz Villagrana, the Auto Club’s community programs and traffic safety manager. “Motorists should provide bicyclists with a three-foot buffer for safety and slow to a safe and reasonable speed when passing a bicyclist if they can't keep a three-foot distance from them.”

Research from AAA also reveals that automatic emergency braking systems with pedestrian detection perform inconsistently and proved to be completely ineffective at night. “Drivers should educate themselves on what, if any, emergency braking systems their vehicle may be equipped with and understand that not all systems perform the same across different vehicle manufacturers,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “They should not rely on these systems but be vigilant while scanning the road for adults and children, especially at night.”

Morning sun may also change visibility conditions. It could cause reflections off car windows, hoods or other metallic portions of automobiles which can be a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians, according to Lorz Villagrana. “The glare may cause temporary blindness. To reduce glare, wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust your car’s sun visors as needed,” she said.

The Auto Club recommends the following tips for pedestrian safety:

  • Make eye contact with drivers when crossing streets so you know they see you
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing at night
  • Carry a flashlight when walking or taking out pets in the dark
  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

The Auto Club recommends the following tips for drivers:

  • Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake
  • Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
  • Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated.
  • Watch for children and families in neighborhoods and along school bus routes, at intersections, and when backing out of driveways.
  • Teen drivers should use extra caution.

Media Contacts

Doug Shupe
LA-based media contact
(512) 659-1632
shupe.doug@aaa-calif.com
Marie Montgomery
(714) 420-0477 (cell)
Montgomery.Marie@aaa-calif.com
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.