The end of daylight saving time means the afternoon commute is suddenly darker, drowsier and more likely to result in a crash.
AAA Northeast’s analysis of state crash data across the Northeast reveals a dramatic spike in crashes during the peak commuting hour from 5:00 to 6:00pm after the time change. The sudden decrease in visibility as evening darkness shifts earlier is a primary cause, but drowsy driving can play a role as well. Disrupted sleep cycles after the time change mean it can take several days, or even weeks, for some people to fully adjust — even when we “gain” an hour of sleep.
In Connecticut, after the clocks “fall back” at the beginning of November, the 5:00 to 6:00pm hour becomes an increasingly dangerous time, according to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. From 2020 to 2025, there was a 36% increase statewide in crashes in the 5:00pm hour in November (5,615) compared to the month of October (4,134).
AAA research indicates that drowsy driving is a serious traffic issue — in part because many drivers fail to realize when they’re in danger of falling asleep. During a simulated nighttime driving experiment, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 75% of participants who rated their level of drowsiness as low were, in fact, moderately or highly drowsy.
“The end of daylight saving time brings a combination of disrupted sleep schedules and earlier sunsets that can throw drivers off,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Drivers can help make the evening commute safer by getting enough rest, staying extra vigilant as rush hour becomes darker and anticipating that others on the road are also adapting to the changes in visibility.”
AAA offers the following tips as drivers adjust to darker conditions:
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Ensure lights are in good working order. Headlights can show signs of deterioration after just three years. Check for yellowing, clouding and other changes in appearance. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops, including AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities.
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Keep your windshield clean. Make sure your wiper blades aren’t leaving streaks and that you have enough wiper fluid.
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Slow down to compensate for reduced visibility. Increase your following distance to four or more seconds behind the car in front of you — and allow more time if you’re behind a motorcycle or if weather conditions are poor.
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Slow down when turning at intersections, particularly in areas with poor street lighting or where pedestrians are likely to be present. Slow down to 5 mph when you turn and don’t try to speed through a yellow light and turn at the same time.
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Avoid being blinded by oncoming high beams. If a driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to dim the lights, look down toward the right side of the road. You should be able to see the edge of the lane or the white edge line; stay on course until the vehicle passes.
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Keep your eyes moving. Don’t just focus on the middle of an area illuminated by your headlights — watch for flashes of light that might indicate the presence of another vehicle on top of hills, around curves and at intersections.
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Beware of glare. The time change means that sun glare may affect commuters at earlier hours. Use your sun visor, invest in polarized sunglasses and leave extra room between you and the car in front of you when the sun is in your eyes.
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Get at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road. If you’re fighting to stay awake following the time change, pull over to a safe location, lock your doors and take a quick nap.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.9 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.