When clocks “fall back,” the sun sets earlier and the evening rush hour happens in the dark. NYC agencies warn that the weeks right after the time change are among the most dangerous on our streets because drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all need time to adjust to reduced visibility at dusk. The City’s annual “Dusk & Darkness” campaign ramps up enforcement and education each fall for exactly this reason.
Why Collisions Spike After the Clock Change
- Earlier darkness = poorer visibility. More of the evening commute happens after sunset, when drivers see less and reaction times suffer. NYC DOT warns specifically about pedestrian risk during this period.
- Behavioral adjustment lag. People still move at “daylight” speeds and habits for a week or two; the City runs Dusk & Darkness each year to counter this.
- Documented NYC crash patterns. Vision Zero’s data portals show citywide injury and fatal-crash metrics and let you review borough-by-borough trends; NYPD also publishes weekly borough tables of fatalities:
- Vision Zero View (interactive map & dashboards; filter by borough, month, mode)
- NYPD borough traffic fatalities tables (weekly PDFs/Excels for Bronx, Brooklyn North/South, Manhattan North/South, Queens North/South, Staten Island).
- NYC Open Data crash sets (citywide collisions, pedestrians, cyclists, and an historical “Deaths by Year and Borough” dataset).
Street-Smart Safety Checklist for the Time-Change Weeks (NYC-Specific)
For Pedestrians:
- Make eye contact before stepping off the curb; don’t assume a vehicle will yield even in a crosswalk.
- Wear or carry something reflective or light-colored at dusk; drivers often misjudge distance in low light.
- Use signaled, well-lit crossings; avoid mid-block crossings on wide streets.
For Cyclists:
- Run required lights front and rear; add a seat-stay or helmet flasher for dusk.
- Take the bike lane, but “ride big” near turning vehicles; watch for door zones and taxis pulling to the curb.
- Use intersections with leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) and daylighting when possible; they’re common on Vision Zero corridors.
For Drivers, Taxi/Uber, and Delivery:
- Slow early when approaching crosswalks after sunset; expect pedestrians to be harder to see.
- Yield on turns—failure to yield is a top crash factor—especially where LPIs give walkers a head start.
- Keep windshields clean and dim dashboards to cut glare; watch for cyclists in shadowed lanes.
If You Were Hurt Around the Clock Change, Call a Lawyer Before You File Anything
NYC and NY State law impose strict timelines and technical steps after a crash. Speaking to a lawyer first helps you avoid mistakes and preserve evidence.
- Private-party crashes (cars, taxis/Uber): Insurers push early statements and quick, low settlements. Counsel coordinates medical care, documents wage loss, and handles the claim or lawsuit.
- City or NYCHA-adjacent hazards (dark, poorly maintained crossings/areas): Claims involving public entities can trigger Notice of Claim deadlines and 50-h hearings—legal help is crucial from day one.
- Evidence window is short: Traffic camera footage, dashcams, and business CCTV often overwrite within days; attorneys send preservation letters immediately.
What to Do Right Now
- Get medical care and follow doctor’s orders.
- Photograph the scene at dusk or night if safe: sight-lines, lighting, signals, skid marks, vehicle damage.
- Save torn clothing/helmet and keep receipts for all out-of-pocket costs.
- Collect plate numbers, TLC license/vehicle numbers (for taxis/Uber), app trip screenshots, and witness contacts.
- Contact an attorney promptly to preserve video, download vehicle/phone telematics where available, and manage all insurer or municipal filings.
Why The Dearie Law Firm, P.C.
For more than three decades, we’ve represented New Yorkers injured as pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers including cases involving taxis/Uber and municipal entities. We investigate quickly, preserve critical video, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Free case review
If you were injured in a crash during the fall clock-change period, or at any time, contact The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. today for a free consultation. Call Now.
