An Associated Press article that appeared this weekend highlights a Carnegie Mellon study that ties the time change (not just earlier darkness) with higher pedestrian fatality rates. The study said specifically that pedestrians walking during the evening rush hour in November are three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars than just a week earlier when Daylight Savings Time was in effect and the daylight lasted longer into the evening.
While the study did not make any differentiation between cyclists and pedestrians, you can surely assume that the increased risk translates to those on bikes as well as on foot.
After November, the risk to pedestrians (and cyclists) in the evening drops steadily until the spring as drivers adjust, implying that the sudden switch to early darkness -- not just the darkness itself -- plays a big role in the increased risk.
A big key to safe riding, as always, is visibility. Don't go out riding after dark without a working headlight and tail light and reflectors. A big bright reflective vest is a smart idea and a real help to motorists in seeing you.
Image: Roxanne/Flickr
Comments