Drowsy driving, accidents up as daylight saving time ends, experts say

Man driver hand holding takeaway paper coffee cup while driving a car in the morning,
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By , KYW Newsradio

Experts want to stave off the increase in car accidents they usually see when daylight saving time comes to an end.

Many people love that extra hour of sleep the end of daylight saving bestows upon us, but AAA's Jana Tidwell warned it does come with a cost, in the form of more nighttime driving hours.

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"That falling back, that changing of the clocks changes our sleep patterns," said Tidwell, "and that may increase the chances of drowsy driving."

During this time of year, AAA sees an increase in crashes. That's why they've issued several tips to drivers.

"Slow down, increase following distance," she advised. "Of course use headlights appropriately to make yourself visible, and be extra cautious on our roadways."

Tidwell added the dark driving hours also coincide with deer mating season, so drivers should also keep an eye out for the frisky fauna. "Many of us have undoubtedly seen an increase in deer activity and unfortunately an increase in deer crashes," she said.

The biggest thing when it comes to daylight saving safe driving, Tidwell urged, is to remain vigilant.

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