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Daylight saving time ends this weekend | What local authorities say about driving during shorter daylight hours

Clocks rolled back at 2 a.m. Sunday, giving Georgians an extra hour of sleep. However, traffic accident chances are now higher when its dark out, auto experts say.

JONES COUNTY, Ga. — Clocks rolled back an hour on Sunday, which means drivers will have less light on their drive to and from work. 

Rhonda Williams, who lives in Gray, Georgia, said that while she may have to make adjustments to her sleep schedule in the beginning, the lack of daylight does not bother her.

"You have to get up and go to work at a certain time, so it's never been a problem for me," Williams said.

According to a AAA release, all drivers should slow down while on the road, and keep a safe distance between other cars. 

Lieutenant Wesley Ransom with the Jones County Sheriff's Office said this is especially important when approaching school zones and bus routes. 

"We all wanna make sure that all of our kids are safe," Ransom said. " I've got little ones and we've got kids that are just trying to get started on their day at school, so we wanna make sure that everybody takes their time."

He said it's important to be cognizant of officers and school officials who help direct traffic. they're usually dressed in reflective gear.

"We've got a lot of officers and school personnel that will be out in the street directing traffic, helping students arrive at the school or directing cars as they come in and leave," Ransom said.  "So with it being darker, make sure that you're looking out for those reflective vests, the light wands or stop signs where there's people standing out in the street."

A National Safety Council report revealed 50% of traffic-related deaths happen at night. Ransom said while it's okay to deploy the bright headlights, try not to blind others.

"A good rule of thumb is if you can see the other driver and they can see your lights within less than half a mile, it's a good idea to go ahead and dim them," Ransom said.

As the winter season draws nearer, he said drivers may also approach deer.

"The deer are not looking out for vehicles and we know that they're not gonna act in a way that's safe for themselves or for others, so it's our responsibility to make sure we're looking out for them," he said.

Williams said sitting in evening rush hour traffic is to be expected, and added that she encourages folks to drive with patience.

Ransom also said to remember to be alert even while driving familiar routes.

"Be patient when you're in a hurry to get to work, leave earlier," she said.  "That's the best thing you can do is just take a few minutes to leave earlier because you could not only harm yourself, you could harm somebody else."

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