Daylight Saving Time and Car Accidents: Why Fall Time Changes Increase Crash Risks

When daylight saving time ends each fall, millions of Americans turn their clocks back one hour. Although the change means an extra hour of sleep, it also brings darker evenings and new challenges for drivers. The risks associated with daylight saving time car accidents deserve attention, especially during busy evening commutes.

Before we know it, drivers across Kansas and Missouri suddenly find themselves traveling home in darkness. Reduced visibility, changing sleep schedules, and heavy traffic can create dangerous conditions. Recognizing these risks is an important part of fall driving safety.

How Does Daylight Saving Time Affect Car Accident Rates?

Research shows that seasonal clock changes can affect traffic safety, although the risks differ between spring and fall.

A 2025 study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined fatal crashes across the United States from 2010 to 2019. Researchers found that fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists increased by 13% in the five weeks following the fall time change, while fatal crashes involving vehicle occupants decreased by 7.1%.

Another study published in the Journal of Safety Research examined crash data from six states between 2014 and 2016. Researchers found that overall traffic crashes increased by 6% during the four weeks following the fall time change. Nighttime crashes increased by 28%, while freeway crashes rose by 15%.

These findings suggest that daylight saving time car accidents affect different road users in different ways. Although the studies reached different results for certain crash categories, both highlight the importance of changing daylight conditions and roadway safety.

For motorists traveling on dangerous roads, darker evening commutes can create additional hazards, particularly when pedestrians and cyclists are difficult to see.

Why Are Fall Driving Conditions More Dangerous?

Reduced Visibility During Evening Commutes

One major concern surrounding daylight saving time car accidents is the sudden change in evening visibility.

Drivers who previously traveled home in daylight may now encounter dark intersections, poorly lit roads, and pedestrians who are harder to see. The sudden shift can be especially dangerous during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies visibility and roadway conditions as important considerations in pedestrian safety. Poor lighting can make it harder for drivers to recognize people crossing streets or walking near traffic.

Reduced daylight crashes can involve vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Drivers must pay closer attention when approaching crosswalks, making turns, or entering intersections, especially during the first few weeks following the time change.

Fatigue and Changes in Sleep Patterns

Changes in sleep schedules can also affect driving performance. According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it can take approximately one week for the body to adjust to seasonal time changes.

During this adjustment period, people may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up at their usual times. These disruptions can cause fatigue, slower reaction times, and difficulty concentrating, increasing the risk of drowsy driving accidents.

The CDC also notes that people who typically sleep seven hours or less may have more difficulty adjusting to clock changes. Older adults who naturally wake up and go to bed earlier may find the fall transition particularly challenging.

Even though fall provides an additional hour when clocks change, maintaining a regular sleep schedule remains important. Drivers who feel tired should avoid getting behind the wheel until they are well-rested.

How Can Drivers Reduce Fall Accident Risks?

Fall driving safety begins with recognizing how quickly roadway conditions change. Drivers can reduce their chances of daylight saving time car accidents by making several adjustments:

• Reduce speed: Allow additional reaction time when traveling in darkness.
• Check headlights: Keep headlights clean and working properly.
• Increase following distance: Leave more room to react to sudden stops.
• Avoid distractions: Put phones away and watch for pedestrians.
• Maintain healthy sleep habits: Avoid driving when excessively tired.

These habits may help prevent reduced daylight crashes and drowsy driving accidents.

Drivers should also recognize that distracted driving becomes especially dangerous when visibility is limited.

What Should You Do After a Fall Car Accident?

If another driver causes a collision, seek medical attention and report the accident. Take photographs, collect witness information, and keep records of your injuries and expenses.

Following a car accident checklist can help you document important details, including vehicle damage, witness statements, and medical treatment. Be mindful of common insurance tactics that may be used to dispute liability, downplay injuries, or reduce the compensation you receive.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand how quickly an unexpected collision can disrupt your life and leave your family facing difficult decisions.Our team can review the circumstances of daylight saving time car accidents and determine whether another driver’s negligence contributed to the collision.

Injured in a Fall Car Accident? Contact Wallentine Injury Law

Attorney Jerry Wallentine has spent more than 19 years representing clients and fighting for fair treatment under Kansas and Missouri law. Our team takes the time to understand your injuries, financial losses, and concerns about the future. We investigate crashes, review available evidence, and work to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Whether your accident involved poor visibility, driver fatigue, or another dangerous behavior, we are ready to help. We also understand how frustrating insurance negotiations can become when you are trying to recover. As your car accident lawyer, we offer free consultations to discuss your legal options. Call Wallentine Injury Law at 913-934-6333 to get started.