SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Countries across the world observe daylight saving time, with people adjusting their clocks twice a year to accommodate the expected changes in sunlit hours. We recently "fell back" one hour, and the San Angelo Police Department warns that the sun's position in the sky may be posing a risk to motorists.

Daylight saving time ended in 2024 on Nov. 3, meaning that clocks were wound back one hour to make use of the daylight. Now, just nine days after "falling back," the SAPD has stated that it believes multiple recent vehicle crashes were "influenced by the sun's position."

"With the time change, many of us are now commuting during times when the sun is rising and setting, creating challenging driving conditions," the SAPD said.

The SAPD recommended using the following tips to "enhance safety on our roads:"

• Stay Aware — Always be mindful of the drivers around you and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Drive Safely — If you're driving into the sun, please drive to the current conductions of the roadway. This can significantly improve your visibility and safety.
• Use Sunglasses and Sun Visors — Protect your eyes with sunglasses, and remember that your car's sun visor can be adjusted to block the sun's glare. You can pop it out and pull it from side to side for better coverage.
• Practice Defensive Driving — Stay alert and be aware of changing driving conditions. Anticipate the actions of others on the road.

"We know everyone is eager to get to work or home quickly, but it’s essential to slow down and adapt to these new conditions," the SAPD said. "Your safety and the safety of others depend on it."

Daylight saving time is expected to resume on March 9, 2025. Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 but had its rules changed through the Energy Policy Act in 2007, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

News Source : https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/local-news/sapd-sunlight-influencing-crashes-in-san-angelo/