AAA warns of dramatic spike in evening commute crashes as daylight saving time ends
Data analyzed by AAA highlights a sharp rise in collisions during the 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. rush hour immediately following the time change.
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As daylight saving time ends, AAA Northeast is warning drivers that the return to standard time brings a dramatic spike in evening commute crashes across New Jersey.
The annual transition shifts sunset earlier, making the peak commuting hours darker while disrupting sleep cycles. AAA analysts note that despite gaining an extra hour of sleep, drivers often experience sleep disruption that can take days or weeks to fully adjust to, elevating the risk of drowsy driving.
Data analyzed by AAA highlights a sharp rise in collisions during the 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. rush hour immediately after the time change.
State Division of Highway Traffic Safety data shows a 43% increase in total crashes during the 5 p.m. hour from October to November. Pedestrian strikes jumped 65% during that same hour.
