Daylight savings time ends tonight. The daylight savings time law was established during World War I to help conserve energy. In 2005, the Energy Policy Act extended daylight savings time beginning in 2007, so that it ends on the first Sunday of November. Why? Wyoming Senator Michael Enzi and Michigan Representative Fred Upton advocated the extension from October into November especially to allow children to go trick-or-treating in more daylight. Recent studies have suggested that the energy savings from daylight savings time may or may not be real. Some have suggested that daylight savings time should be eliminated.

While most in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas will enjoy the extra hour of sleep tonight, the time change also unfortunately brings with it the increased risk of auto accidents.

You may notice that your evening commute Monday is darker than it was last week, because of the ending of daylight savings tIme. While people might not alter their schedules because of the earlier sunset, they might need to pay more attention while driving. In particular, the NHTSA is urging both motorists and pedestrians to proceed with extra caution as the end of daylight savings time coupled with the oncoming winter season introduces significant changes to driving and walking routines.

The NHTSA has compiled a few essential tips to help prevent both auto accidents and pedestrian accidents over the next few months.

Motorists are advised to do the following:

Abide by the speed limit to give yourself more time to spot pedestrians.
Prepare for excessive glare from the setting sun by putting a pair of sunglasses in your car.
Ensure that your windows are clean, washer fluid is full, and that your defrosters and wipers work.

Pedestrians are advised to do the following:

Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, and avoid walking in the street.
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Wear reflective material or put reflective tape on bags and coats to offset the loss of daylight.

Over half of all fatal pedestrian crashes and over one fourth of fatal bicycle crashes involving school age children (ages 5 through 18) occur in low light or dark conditions.If you or a member of your family has been injured in a pedestrian or other type of auto accident in Poplar Bluff or the surrounding area, the attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, are available for a free consultation. Contact us today.