Drivers Beware as Daylight Hours are Getting Shorter Published Oct. 25, 2012 By Cindy McClendon 17th Training Wing Safety Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When the summer months come to a close the first thing we notice is the change in temperature. However, there's something else that we may not recognize quite as swiftly and that is the change in the amount of daylight we have each day. The season change means that the earth at the equator will have equal hours of daylight and night at that time. As a result, each day looses a couple of minutes of light as we head toward the new season. On Sunday, Nov.4 at 2 a.m., we will fall back an hour for daylight savings. The autumnal equinox occurred on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10:49 a.m. Until the winter solstice, Dec. 21, the North Pole will continue to tilt farther away from the sun. For us that means shorter daylight and cooler temperatures. So how much daylight will we lose until the winter solstice? By the end of October, we will have lost about an hour and a half of daylight and by the winter solstice, we'll only have about nine and a half hours of daylight. Shorter hours of daylight mean darker mornings and earlier twilight to darkness transitions. Drivers and pedestrians aren't used to the reduced visibility and need to acclimate to the shorter daylight period. Even on familiar roads, it is important to use additional caution and adjust driving habits. Drivers must be mindful of students and school buses on roadways. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians walking along roadways, on sidewalks or in the cross walks. Pedestrians might take chances crossing roads when they shouldn't. This is the time for pedestrians to embrace reflective gear. In addition, during the hours of reduced visibility deer are more active. Two-thirds of deer and vehicle collisions occur in the months of October, November, and December when deer movement peaks due to the breeding season. Use caution and be alert when passing through areas marked with deer crossing signs. These signs are placed in areas that have shown a high incidence of deer and vehicle collisions in the past. Slow down when approaching deer standing near roadsides. Deer may bolt or change direction at any moment. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and use extreme caution. Deer often travel in groups; if you see one - expect more. Drivers should ensure all lights are in working order and headlights and windows are cleaned. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance covered by your lights. Avoid looking directly into the headlights of oncoming vehicles, glace towards the right, and always budget in extra time to get there safely. Finally, don't forget to check your windshield wipers before you need them.
