(WWJ) -- Michigan residents -- and those in 47 other states -- turned their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m Sunday, bringing Daylight Saving Time to an end until March 2022.
While most of us rejoice in the extra hour of sleep, it also means the evening commute home from work will be mostly in the dark.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) are urging drivers to watch out for pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists.
Michigan law demands motorists keep at least a 3 ft. distance when passing a bicyclist.
"Drivers need to realize after the time change that it may be more challenging to see people walking, running, or bicycling as they will be much less noticeable, " said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said in a press release.
"Drivers need to eliminate distractions, slow down and focus fully on the task of driving," Ajeba said.
Research from the University of Michigan confirms that pedestrians and bicyclists are at the greatest risk of getting seriously hurt in the days immediately following the switch back to standard time. Most injuries occur in the first hour after darkness, the research revealed.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, more than 6,000 pedestrians and nearly 850 pedacyclists* died in traffic crashes during 2020, even though Americans drove less due to the pandemic. Pedalcyclist fatalities increased 5% between 2019 and 2020. The majority of pedestrian fatalities (76%) and pedalcyclist fatalities (50%) occur between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
MDOT urges pedestrians, joggers and pedalcyclists to wear bright colors with reflective material so drivers can see them.
*Pedalcyclist: Bicyclists and riders of two-wheel, nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles, and unicycles powered solely by pedals.
