LANSING, Mich. — Sunrise will be an hour later after the shift to daylight saving time, and that means school children will be in the dark longer, as will any walkers and bicycle riders.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has sent out its annual reminder that everyone needs to be extra conscious of the need to be alert.
“Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle in a release. “Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving.”
MDOT notes that 72 percent of crashes occur in the dark, according to National Highway Traffic Administration data from 2013.
To reduce the chances for DST mishaps, drivers need to be more vigilant while pedestrians and bicyclists should wear bright, reflective clothing.
