Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time: Tips for Driving Safely During Shorter Days

When Daylight Saving Time ends, we all get an extra hour of sleep — but we also gain darker evenings, earlier sunsets, and shifting visibility conditions on the road. For professional drivers, these seasonal changes can impact everything from alertness to route timing.

At Marten, your safety is a priority. That’s why it’s important to take a moment to regroup and adjust your driving habits as we move into shorter days and longer nights.

Why Daylight Saving Time Affects Drivers

Even small shifts in your sleep schedule or daylight exposure can impact:

  • Alertness and reaction time
  • Night driving visibility
  • Road hazards, like more wildlife activity at dusk
  • Fatigue levels, especially during long stretches

The time change may feel minor, but your body and driving environment will notice — so it’s worth planning ahead.

Tips for a Smooth Adjustment on the Road

1. Ease Into the Time Change

If possible, adjust your sleep schedule gradually over a few days:

  • Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier each night
  • Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality
  • Stay hydrated — even mild dehydration can increase fatigue

This helps your internal clock shift naturally.

2. Pay Extra Attention During Early Evenings

The hour right after sunset is one of the most challenging times to drive:

  • Light is low and glare is high
  • Visibility decreases rapidly
  • More drivers are commuting and may be distracted or tired

Reduce speed slightly and maximize space between you and other vehicles during these transitions.

3. Keep Your Headlights, Mirrors, and Windshield Clean

Shorter days = more time driving in the dark.
Clean lenses and glass make a bigger difference than most people realize:

  • Clear headlights and taillights help others see you
  • Clean mirrors reduce glare
  • A clean windshield improves night visibility and reduces eye strain

A quick wipe-down at fueling stops can go a long way.

4. Watch for Increased Wildlife Movement

Fall and early winter bring more deer crossings, especially at dusk. If you see one deer, expect more — deer rarely travel alone.

5. Prioritize Rest

Fatigue becomes more common during seasonal changes.
To stay sharp:

  • Take breaks when you need them
  • Don’t push through drowsiness
  • Use along your route

Your safety is always worth the extra few minutes.

Remember: Safety is a priority at Marten

Your skill, professionalism, and awareness keep you — and everyone else on the road — safe. As the days get shorter, staying aware of how the time change affects your routine is one more way to drive smart.

At Marten, we’re proud to support you with the pay, equipment, and care you deserve — and we’re committed to helping you stay safe in every season.

Here’s to a safe, alert, and confident transition into the fall and winter months.
We’re with you every mile.