End of Daylight Saving Time Risks for Pedestrians

Daylight Saving Time
Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Blog November 7, 2024

End of Daylight Saving Time Risks for Pedestrians

Once a year, most Americans set their clock back one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. Some will argue that this annual time change negatively impacts our daily routines, including when we wake up and our morning and evening commutes. Transitioning to Standard Time in the fall also poses significant risks for those who enjoy outdoor activities, particularly pedestrians. To help reduce your risks during this time of transition, let’s take a closer look into why the end of DST poses a heightened threat to pedestrians.

History of Daylight Saving Time 

The inception of Daylight Saving Time ( DST) dates back to the 18th century. However, it wasn’t widely adopted until the 20th century, when many countries implemented DST to conserve energy during World War II. In the United States, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST. Almost four decades later, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended the period of DST.

What Are Iowa and Illinois’ Stances on Daylight Saving Time?

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Iowa and Illinois were among at least 29 states in 2023 considering changing their DST laws. Both states recently introduced legislation to either exempt themselves from federal DST regulations or adopt year-round DST.

Illinois has had multiple bills introduced in 2023 and 2024. One bill aims to exempt the state from federal DST requirements, while another proposes making DST permanent year-round. As of November 2024, here is the status of both house bills:  

  • Illinois HB 5114 amends the Time Standardization Act and exempts the state from Daylight Saving Time requirements under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966. As of  2/8/24, the House Bill was referred to the Rules Committee awaiting further action.
  • Illinois HB 1192 amends the Time Standardization Act so that Daylight Saving Time shall be the year-round standard time of the entire state. Once approved, it will take immediate effect. As of 11/13/23, the House Bill is also held after being referred to the Rules Committee.

Iowa has also seen legislative activity regarding DST. A bill to make DST permanent year-round was introduced in 2023 but failed to advance beyond the House State Government Committee.

Iowa House File 498 (Formerly HF 242) was created to establish Daylight Saving Time as the official time in this state throughout the year. As of November 2024, HF 498 has yet to advance past the House State Government Committee.

Is There a Link Between the End of DST and Pedestrian Injuries?

With the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST), pedestrian accidents may increase due to a combination of the following factors:

  • Reduced visibility: As the sun sets an hour earlier, drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing. 
  • Increased pedestrian traffic: The shift in time also corresponds with increased numbers of people enjoying evening walks, exercising outdoors, or socializing outdoors.
  • Driver fatigue: The time change can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased fatigue and impaired judgment. Drowsy driving and distracted driving are significant factors contributing to pedestrian accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Low-light conditions and distracted drivers increase the risk of pedestrian collisions.

Common Daylight Saving Time Pedestrian Injuries in Iowa and Illinois

Our legal team has represented injured individuals who have suffered one of the following types of Daylight Saving Time-related pedestrian injuries in the Quad Cities area: 

  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility 
  • Bone fractures: Broken bones in the legs, arms, and pelvis are common DST-related pedestrian injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and loss of sensation, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life.
  • Traumatic brain injuries: Brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical abilities.

Protecting Yourself During the End of DST

To minimize the risk of pedestrian accidents during the end of DST, consider these safety tips:

  • Wear reflective clothing: As the days get darker, you must ensure that you remain visible to drivers. You can do this by wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing.
  • Use crosswalks: Always look both ways before crossing the street, even in designated crosswalks. You should also obey traffic signals.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid distractions, and avoid poorly lit areas. 
  • Make eye contact with drivers: It may seem odd, but you ensure they see you by making eye contact with a driver before crossing the street. If you can’t make eye contact, wait for them to drive past you safely.  

Seek Legal Help after a Daylight Saving Time Pedestrian Accident

With the recent fall back in time, the risk of pedestrian injuries increases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DST pedestrian accident, contact Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham to schedule a free consultation. Call (309) 794-1515, connect with one of our LiveChat agents, or request your free consultation online.

Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience representing injured pedestrians in Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, and Knox counties in Illinois or Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Cedar, and Jackson counties in Iowa. 

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.