NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – With dusk arriving an hour earlier Louisiana State Police don’t want people to be in the dark when it comes to safety.
State trooper and Public Information Officer Melissa Matey says this is a good time to give your vehicle a safety check—and work on forming new habits to fit the end of Daylight Saving Time.
“We just ask people to remember to turn on those lights, check their headlights—make sure both headlights are in working order,” says Matey.
Check your car’s brake lights too.
With road safety is in the spotlight, Matey says to remember that texting while driving is always illegal, and drivers should avoid all distractions, including legal ones, such as talking on your cell phone.
WGNO’s teaching doctor, Dr. Rachel Reitan, says emergency rooms report more traffic accidents after the clocks are set back.
She adds: “And as the days get shorter we experience less sunlight, which can lead to depression.”
Plus, she says some people actually stay up later and don’t sleep in, so they get less sleep than before.
Going on auto-pilot can be dangerous.
“Just be extra careful with those pedestrians or any cyclists in the area. Look for those reflectors and make sure that you’re giving those cyclists three feet as you pass them.”
Pedestrians and cyclists traveling during newly dark hours are urged to take precautions as well, such as staying on bike paths and crossing streets at well-lit crosswalks.
Matey also has this reminder for those on two wheels: “As cyclists, they also need to have reflectors and lights on their bikes that are in working order.”
Remember, being seen can save your life.