Daylight Savings Time ends soon: Early darkness poses risk for pedestrians, cyclists

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday morning at 2 a.m. While it's nice sleeping an extra hour, safety officials warn that the change brings risks – especially for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Fitness Foundation both are warning drivers of the higher risk of crashes as it gets darker earlier.

State Transportation Director Paul Ajegba said in a news release that drivers must take extra precautions when it comes to driving in the dark. 

"After the time change that it may be more challenging to see people walking, running, or bicycling as they will be much less noticeable," he said. 

Ajegba recommended that drivers minimize distractions, like cellphones and tuning the radio, and for pedestrians to wear more vibrant colors that can be seen in dark conditions.

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As a general rule, state law says drivers are advised to stay three feet from bicyclists when passing them. 

With many children walking to and from school, the two organizations have partnered to create Michigan Fitness Foundation's Safe Routes to school, which is an initiative that aims to provide a safe way for children to walk and bike to their destinations, the release said.

MDOT works with many partners of the Toward Zero Death project, which strives to minimize deaths in the United States by bettering driving habits, the release said. To learn more about MDOT's efforts, information is posted on its website at bit.ly/2YjsYDa.