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HARTFORD, CT (November 2, 2020) - The end of daylight saving time in Connecticut sharply increases the chance of drivers being involved in a crash during the evening commute, including an increase in the number of crashes involving pedestrians and deer.
“Turning the clocks back an hour means drivers will be in the dark this week during the evening commute as compared to last week when it was still light out, and the data clearly indicates that darker means more dangerous,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Not only is there an increase in crashes overall, but there is an increase in crashes involving pedestrians which means everyone is really at greater risk.”
According to AAA’s analysis of UConn crash data from 2015-2019, comparing the number of crashes between 5-6p during the two weeks before we ‘fall back’ and the two weeks after:
Pedestrian stats:
In the last five years, the UConn crash data indicates, there were 24 crashes involving pedestrians during the two week period before the clock change (between 5-6p) – and 62 during the same time period in the two weeks after. According to crash data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur after dark.
Deer stats:
In the last five years, the UConn crash data indicates, there were 12 crashes involving deer during the two week period before the clock change (between 5-6p) – and 84 during the same time period in the two weeks after.
According to AAA Insurance, the average claim last year for crashes across Connecticut involving deer was more than $4500. AAA encourages drivers to review their policies to ensure they are appropriately covered in the event of a deer strike.
“Of course there are a number of contributing factors to the sharp increase in crashes, not only the additional drive time in darkness but also distractions and possibly drowsy driving as well,” Parmenter adds.
Drowsy Driving
Even though there is, in theory, an hour of sleep gained, the time change means a disruption to your body clock, so drowsy driving is also a concern for the period immediately following the time change.
In fact, Nov 1-8, 2020 is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.
AAA offers the following Tips for Drivers during the adjustment period:
AAA Offers these Tips for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
CT Mailing Address:
815 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06119
AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.
Amy Parmenter
Public Affairs Manager, CT
O: (860) 570-4319
C: (860) 965-6161
aparmenter@AAA-AlliedGroup.com
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This TEDx WilmingtonSalon was organized in partnership with AAA
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