Peach Tree Times

As daylight savings time approaches, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is reminding residents to exercise caution on roads and in crosswalks. The time change, which occurs on Sunday, March 9, has been associated with an increase in accidents and fatalities due to sleep deprivation and reduced visibility in the morning, according to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder.

The shift can disrupt sleep schedules, leading to drowsy driving, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness. "Studies show that losing just one hour of sleep can significantly impact focus and decision-making," making early morning and late-night travel riskier for both drivers and pedestrians.

Visibility is another concern as the sun rises later in the morning during daylight savings time. This reduction in light makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians walking or biking near roads, especially in residential areas and school zones.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Association reports that pedestrian deaths have increased at a rate nearly seven times higher than U.S. population growth over recent years. In Georgia specifically:

- Pedestrian deaths have risen by more than 50% over the past decade.

- Between 2007 and 2024, there were 3,943 pedestrian fatalities in Georgia.

- More than 80% of these deaths occurred outside crosswalks.

- From 2014 to 2023, distracted driving was a factor in 44% of pedestrian fatalities.

- Nine out of ten pedestrians hit by vehicles traveling at 40 mph do not survive.

To enhance safety and reduce accidents during this period, Georgia DOT advises both motorists and pedestrians to take several precautions: ensure adequate rest before the time change; exercise extra caution during mornings; avoid distractions like mobile phones at intersections; plan trips to prevent rushing; pedestrians should remain visible and use crosswalks attentively.

Georgia DOT continues efforts to improve road safety through infrastructure enhancements such as better crosswalks. The department also promotes initiatives like Drive Alert Arrive Alive, See & Be Seen campaign, and Keep Georgia Safe educational programs aimed at students from kindergarten through grade twelve.

The Georgia Department of Transportation oversees planning, construction, maintenance of state highways as well as bridge projects across various modes including public transit systems while supporting local governments' road maintenance needs. With nearly 4,000 employees dedicated towards innovation-driven sustainable mobility solutions focused on boosting statewide competitiveness through transportation leadership initiatives are prioritized within their operational vision statement.