Fall Time Change Raises Pedestrian Crash Risk
Fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists climb about 13% in the five weeks after clocks fall back, according to new findings.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Sleep Disorders
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Fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists increase roughly 13% in the five weeks after the fall time change, while car crashes involving animals such as deer rise about 6% in the first four weeks. The findings reflect a pattern that reverses after the springtime change.
Why it matters
Darker evening commutes and reduced motorist visibility contribute to the rise, and the body's internal schedule can take several days to adjust after a time change. Drivers may also be more drowsy immediately following the switch, raising the stakes for nighttime travel across the United States.
A national traffic safety study reports a 13% rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatal crashes over five weeks after the fall time change, while occupant fatalities fell 7.1% in the same window. The source does not detail the full study sample or the exact measurement period beyond the five-week window.
The players
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
A regional planning body serving the District of Columbia and surrounding Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions, which tracks pedestrian and bicycle crash data in the D.C. metro region.
The details
Car crashes involving animals such as deer rise about 6% in the first four weeks after time falls back, and nighttime wildlife collisions spike sharply. Drowsy driving was probably a factor in about 18% of traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021.
Timeline
Five weeks after the fall time change: pedestrian and bicyclist fatal crashes rise about 13%.
First four weeks after time falls back: deer and animal car crashes rise about 6%.
2017 to 2021: drowsy driving was probably a factor in about 18% of traffic fatalities.
Seasonal Patterns
The fall time change produces a crash pattern that mirrors the reversed effect seen after the springtime change in the same dataset. Together these findings show that clock shifts alter when Americans drive in darkness and when pedestrians and wildlife are most exposed on roads.
Drivers should allow extra time and watch closely for pedestrians and cyclists in the days following the fall time change, when visibility is reduced during evening commutes. Adjusting sleep schedules gradually before the change may help limit drowsiness behind the wheel.
The takeaway
Pedestrians and bicyclists face the greatest added risk during the weeks after clocks fall back, so drivers and walkers alike should take extra care during evening travel. Allowing time for the body to adjust to the new schedule can help reduce drowsiness on the road.
Further reading
Explore related research on Sleep Disorders to understand how clock changes disrupt the body's schedule.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
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