US researchers report that the end of Daylight Saving time translates into about 37 more US pedestrian deaths around 6 pm in November compared to October. Professors Paul Fischbeck and David Gerard, both of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh conducted a preliminary study of seven years of federal traffic fatalities and calculated risk per mile walked for pedestrians. They found a 186 percent increase in per-mile risk from October to November, followed by a 21 percent drop in December. They interpret the December drop-off as indicating that the November risk is caused by the difficult adjustment for both drivers and pedestrians to darkness suddenly descending an hour earlier. The good news is that the reverse happens in the morning. Pedestrian risk in the morning decreases to “13 lives saved”.

 

BC crash statistics also confirm a higher driving risk the first workday after Daylight Saving ends. In 2006, there were 790 crashes on the Monday after the time change, compared to 640 incidents the Monday before. On average (for the years 2003 to 2006) the first Monday after the fall time change has 18 per cent more crash incidents and 20 per cent more injuries, compared to the Monday before the time change. ICBC reports that, overall, November is one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians with Fridays from 3 to 9 pm being the most dangerous interval.

 

The collective seasonal clothing change also contributes to the higher risk for pedestrians. On goes the heavier and usually darker coloured outerwear with (usually) darker coloured boots. Up go the hoods and the umbrellas. A pedestrian in dark coloured clothing and footwear with their head shielded by an umbrella sometimes becomes almost invisible, even in a zebra striped crosswalk. In fact, the purpose of zebra striping is never more fully revealed than when it, and only it as an “interrupted background” partially silhouettes a crossing pedestrian.

 

At this time of year especially, pedestrians need to dress to be seen but never to assume they have been. Public safety awareness campaigns now encourage the use of reflectors on clothing. Pedestrians need to check and double check. Jaywalking is foolhardy. Crossing at marked intersections or crosswalks is risky enough. Making eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb and while crossing each lane of stopped traffic could be a lifesaver. Drivers need to check and double check. This includes being alert to cars in adjacent lanes stopping to yield to crossing pedestrians.