Turning the clocks back each fall forces evening commutes into darkness, which consequently leads to a noticeable rise in car accidents.
Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that after the fall time change, fatal crashes that involved pedestrians and bicyclists increased, while fatal crashes for people inside vehicles decreased.
When Daylight Saving Time Ended in 2026 Across the U.S.
Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it ran in 2026 from March 8 to November 1, with the change made at 2 in the morning, local time.
At that moment, the clock went from 2 back to 1 and the hour repeated, giving everyone an extra hour that day. The trade-off shows up a day later, when sunset arrives an hour earlier by the clock.
Not everyone made the switch. The U.S. Department of Transportation says daylight saving time is not observed in Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Under federal law, states may exempt themselves by state law.
What Research Shows About Daylight Saving Time Car Accidents
Recent research on the time change looks at who gets hurt, not just how many crashes happen. In a news release from April 2024, IIHS described a study of fatal crash data for the five weeks before and after each time change from 2010 to 2019.
In the five weeks after the fall time change, fatal crashes for people in vehicles went down. Fatal crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians went up.
IIHS repeated the point in 2025: when standard time resumes, vehicle occupant deaths drop and pedestrian deaths rise. The institute tied the swings in pedestrian crash deaths to increases or decreases in the amount of daylight.
Why the Darker Evening Commute Is Hardest on People Walking
Your drive home may run on the same roads at the same time of day. What changes after the time switch is the light, and many of those trips now end after sunset.
People walking or biking are harder to spot in the dark. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises drivers to take extra care at night, since pedestrians can be harder to see and may appear suddenly.
The first weeks can feel strange because habits lag behind the clock. A route you know by daylight looks different under headlights. Our guide on why crashes after dark are more dangerous covers night driving risks in more depth.
Who the Time Change Affects Most on U.S. Roads
The table pulls the research together by road user. It shows why the darker evening commute is a bigger concern for some people than for others.
| Road user | What changes after the fall time change | A practical step |
|---|---|---|
| People inside vehicles | IIHS: fatal occupant crashes decreased in the five weeks after | Keep your usual night habits; the evening is still darker |
| Pedestrians | IIHS: fatal crashes involving pedestrians increased | Cross where drivers expect you and make yourself easy to see |
| Bicyclists | IIHS: fatal crashes involving bicyclists increased | Use front and rear lights on every evening ride |
| Drivers in Hawaii and most of Arizona | U.S. DOT: no clock change, since these places do not observe daylight saving time | Sunset follows the season, not a sudden shift |
Adjusting Your Drive for the First Few Weeks of Darker Evenings
Small changes can make the adjustment easier. These general tips focus on the evening commute:
- Turn on your headlights earlier than feels necessary.
- Clean your windshield, mirrors and headlight lenses.
- Slow down in neighborhoods, school zones and near bus stops.
- Scan crosswalks and road edges before every turn.
- Expect people walking home from work, school or errands.
- Leave a few minutes early so you are not rushing in the dark.
People who walk or bike can wear something light or reflective and carry a light. Assume a driver may not see you until you are sure they have.
If a Crash Happens on the Way Home
Check yourself and your passengers first, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe spot if you can, turn on your hazard lights and stay alert to traffic around you.
If you can do it safely, take photos of the scene, including the lighting and any streetlights that were out. Notes about how dark it was can help you remember the details later.
Our checklist on what to do after a car accident covers the next steps, from exchanging information to getting the police report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daylight Saving Time Car Accidents
Do car accidents go up when daylight saving time ends?
IIHS found that fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists increased in the five weeks after the fall change. Fatal crashes for vehicle occupants decreased.
When did daylight saving time end in 2026?
It ended at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks moved back one hour.
Which states do not change their clocks?
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. Several U.S. territories also stay on standard time.
Why is the evening commute riskier after the clocks change?
More evening trips now happen in the dark. IIHS tied changes in pedestrian crash deaths to the amount of daylight.
Help After an Evening Crash
A crash after dark can leave you shaken and unsure what comes next. At Local Accident Reports, we offer free assistance to help you request your police report on the accident.
If you have any doubts, you can contact our team at 888-657-1460 for help any time.
Last reviewed: November 2026
This post was reviewed by Hernán Beresnak, Lead Editor, Local Accident Reports.
Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Local Accident Reports is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See our full disclaimer at https://localaccidentreports.com/disclaimer/ .
