VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (March 09, 2017) – On Sunday, March 12th at 2:30 am, Daylight Savings Time begins; clocks move forward and we all lose an hour of sleep. More importantly, Monday morning drivers may be drowsy as they head to work or school. AAA Tidewater suggests motorists use additional caution and modify their driving habits, especially during the first week of Daylight Savings Time, when everyone is still adjusting to the time change.
"While many are looking forward to the end of a long, cold winter, few realize the added dangers that can come as a result of the time change to Daylight Savings Time, especially when behind the wheel," said Georjeane Blumling, spokesperson for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "This hour change can disturb sleep patterns, perhaps even resulting in drowsy driving." The morning and evening commute will be different as the sun rises earlier and sets later with the potential for more glare.
AAA Tips for Motorists:
- Watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible
- Leave more following room, keeping in mind that there may be more glare from the sun
- Wear sunglasses and use your visor to reduce glare
- Be mindful of more pedestrians in the lighter evening hours
- Eliminate all distractions
- Get plenty of sleep
AAA Tips for Pedestrians:
- Cross at intersections or crosswalks. Do not jaywalk or cross between parked cars
- Avoid walking in traffic where sidewalks or crosswalks or absent
- See and be seen. Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective gear
- Avoid listening to music with headphones or using a cell phone at a volume that prevents you from hearing approaching vehicles
As part of North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA Tidewater Virginia provides its more than 325,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding AAA Tidewater Virginia has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. For more information, visit AAA.com and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/AAATidewaterVA or on Facebook at facebook.com/AAATidewaterVirginia