NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Clocks are falling back Sunday morning and both New York State and Mayor Adams’ Office are warning New Yorkers of the driving risks associated with the end of daylight saving time.
According to preliminary statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) at the University of Albany’s Rockefeller College, in 2022 drowsy driving was a contributing factor in 5,163 police-reported crashes in New York State.
“Drowsiness can slow reaction time, impair judgment and increase the risk of a crash, especially when combined with driver inexperience,” Mark Schroeder, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said.
“All drivers should know the warning signs of drowsiness, particularly as we adjust to standard time, and avoid driving if they are tired or do not feel up to it,” Schroeder noted.
Eleven of the 2022 crashes resulted in minimum one death, and 1,944 resulted in minimum one injury.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also noted that drowsy driving is likely underreported due to lack of firm evidence. In these cases the investigation is done after crash and drivers may be unaware of the role of drowsiness played, reluctant to report that they were tired or the drowsy party died
Mayor Adams is launching the third consecutive “Dusk and Darkness” campaign Sunday, an initiative intended to promote street safety amid the end of daylight saving time, a more dangerous time of year.
New York City is on track for the lowest number of pedestrian deaths in recorded history in 2023, according to the Mayor’s Office, which prompted the 2023 “Dusk and Darkness” focus: reckless driving.
“One death on our streets is still one too many – and the data shows us that when the clocks fall back, crashes go up. Our targeted ‘Dusk to Darkness’ campaign will help keep our streets safe during rush hour,” Adams said of the campaign.
The campaign includes initiatives to prevent dangerous driving, including increased evening and overnight enforcement by NYPD, alerting drivers of the risks associated with reduced visibility after daylight saving time ends and promoting for-hire vehicle driver safety.
“As daylight saving time ends this weekend, all New Yorkers should remain alert on our local streets and highways,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Philip P. Rivera.
“Because this is historically the most dangerous time of the year for pedestrians and cyclists, NYPD officers and traffic agents will be focusing on precautionary measures designed to keep all road users safe – including increased education and enforcement,” Rivera said.
According to New York State, commercial drivers have been identified as some of the most vulnerable motorists (along with late-night workers, people with sleep disorders, new parents or caregivers to young children and new drivers).
New York State warns that common strategies to avoid drowsy driving, like listening to loud music or blasting the AC, are not reliable ways to overcome fatigue. The only responsible way to handle drowsy driving is to pull over and get some rest.
“As we approach the end of daylight saving time, it’s so important that New Yorkers take necessary precautions to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
“Getting adequate sleep before driving, avoiding alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness, and taking breaks during long drives can all prevent events that could become tragic.”