Shorter days & longer nights mean more accidents & crime. Navigate the dark safely with these key tips

In a 2023 study, smart home security company Vivint found that the end of daylight saving time comes with a spike in crime across the US. Partner that with an increase in fatal car accidents and injuries, and you’ve got serious cause for concern.

Being out and about in the weeks after daylight saving time ends requires an extra dose of caution to navigate these risks. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

The guide below will help you brush up on your personal safety and take on the longer nights with confidence.

Dress for the Occasion

If you know you’ll be out after dark—whether you’re going for a run, cycling, or walking the dog—make sure to wear bright clothing or gear. 

This is a great place to start, but lightly-colored clothes may not be enough in low-light conditions where people are still adjusting to the time change. Throw on a reflective vest or put some reflective tape on your outer layer, cycling gear, or dog leash for that extra layer of visibility.

The goal is to stand out as much as possible so drivers and your fellow pedestrians will be more likely to notice you and give you the space you need.

Follow the Lights, Crowds, & Busy Streets

Look for the path with the most lighting and foot traffic and stay on it for as long as possible. Muggers and thieves are much less likely to make a move on you if there are people nearby that could see and hear it. 

A slower route that keeps you on a bustling, well-lit path is much better than a faster one that takes you through empty, poorly-lit streets. 

But if you have to go through a darker, less-populated area, consider calling a friend or loved one until you’ve made it through. And if your gut tells you that something’s wrong, listen. Tell your loved one you don’t feel safe, walk faster, change directions, or pop into a nearby store or restaurant. Do whatever you need to do to get to safety.

Bring a Flashlight or Bike Light 

Other than reflective gear, using a flashlight or strobing bike light is the simplest way to make yourself visible. They’re light, easy to take with you, and can grab someone’s attention even from far away.

If you’re on foot, you can easily hold a compact flashlight in your hand or clip it to your clothes or gear. For cyclists, attaching a bike light is a quick five-minute job, if that.

Be Extra Cautious When Walking, Cycling, Etc.

With the higher personal safety risk post-daylight saving time, it makes sense to take extra care when using the sidewalks and bike paths at night. 

Be strict when following the rules of the road. Obey stop lights and street signs, stick to the crosswalks when crossing the street, and always look both ways and then back again before crossing. 

Additionally, keep your eyes and ears focused on your surroundings at all times. If you’re looking down at your phone or wearing headphones, you’re less likely to notice a swerving car, someone following you, or other potential threats.

Practice Defensive Driving

You should also bring that extra level of care into the driver’s seat now that daylight saving time is over.

It can be tough to adjust to low light conditions on the road with the sun setting an hour earlier than you’re used to. But when you drive defensively, you make the road safer for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and your fellow drivers.

Defensive driving is a safety-first technique that includes following the basic rules of the road, limiting distractions, proactively adjusting your speed, keeping a safe following distance from cars ahead of you, and more.

For a full guide on how to drive defensively, check out our blog: A Guide to Defensive Driving: The Key to Roadway Safety. It’s a quick read that can make a world of difference in your confidence behind the wheel!

Put Peace of Mind in Your Pocket With the Rescu App

Confidence in your personal safety doesn’t just come from taking precautionary steps like the ones above. It also comes from knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.

In a crisis, the Rescu app empowers you to get help with just two taps on your smartphone or Apple Watch—no talking required. You can dispatch first responders to your current location anywhere in the US in seconds, with response times that clock in at twenty times faster than 911.

Seconds save lives in an emergency, and with Rescu, the fastest way to get help is always just two taps away. Click here to learn more about how Rescu gets you help faster than 911, and use the buttons below to get started today!