OHIO — Darkness, deer and drowsiness are all hazards that could affect Ohio drivers as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end. 

While Ohioans will get an extra night of sleep as clocks fall back on Sunday, Daylight Saving Time can alter sleep patterns, create reduced visibility in the evenings and is usually around the time deer become more active.

Ohio's Department of Public Safety is bringing awareness to the hazards to hopefully make residents more alert as they head out on the road. 

Drowsiness

As many may cheer for just a little bit more sleep, the time change can still wreck sleep patterns. Daylight Saving Time also falls on the the National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness. 

The change in sleeping patterns can cause fatigue, impairing your vision and perception, OPS warned. This could lead to slower reaction times, speeding and misjudging distances. 

Officials recommend these tips to counteract the affects:

  • Take frequent breaks during long trips
  • Open the windows
  • Keep your eyes moving
  • Listen or sing along to music

More time in darkness

By the time many leave work come next week, it'll be dark outside, which means people will be spending more time on the roads in the dark. In general, darkness reduces visibility, which can make room for more hazards on the roadways.

To lower your crash risk, here are some tips:

  • Make sure headlights, taillights and windshield wipers are all working properly to increase visibility
  • Don't try to out-drive your headlines and maintain a cautious speed in dark conditions
  • Keep sunglasses handy, as the sun's angle in the fall can cause an intense glare that could affect vision

Wildlife

We're in Ohio, so it's no surprise that deer can jump out in front of you at any time. But in the fall, it's peak time for deer-related crashes as they cross roadways with little caution, especially at dawn and dusk. 

  • To increase reaction time, scan the road ahead in case an animal decides to cross in front of you
  • When there's one, there's likely two, as animals tend to move in groups, so be aware
  • Don't swerve to avoid an animal is a crash is unavoidable. Swerving could cause a more serious crash or make you lose control of the car

Ohio officials also remind drivers that, no matter what, a seat belt should be worn at all times. 

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