Drivers are being reminded about some driving hazards that can lead to crashes when Daylight Saving Time ends.

For the last three years, Ohio saw an average 15.7 percent increase in total crashes from September to November, according to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The first full week in November after Daylight Saving Time ends is the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This is because, even though people got an extra hour of sleep the night Daylight Saving Time ended, on Sunday, Nov. 3, sleep patterns are altered, which can lead to drowsy driving.

Fatigue can impair vision and perception behind the wheel, leading to a slower reaction time and errors in judging speed and distance, OTSO said.

Some measures to reduce the effects of fatigue include taking frequent breaks during long driving trips, opening the windows, keeping your eyes moving, and listening or singing to music.

When Daylight Saving Time ends, many people will be driving home from work in the dark.

Reduced visibility can increase crash risk.

Some tips while driving in the dark include:

• Increase visibility by ensuring your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers are working properly.
• Don’t outdrive your headlights. Low beams have 180 feet of visual space, and high beams have 350 feet. Maintain a cautious and reasonable speed in dark conditions.
• The angle of the sun in fall can cause significant glare and affect a driver’s vision and reaction time. Keep sunglasses handy and use your vehicle’s visors to deflect glare.

In addition, fall is peak time for deer-related crashes during breeding season. This increased activity results in deer crossing roadways with little caution, especially at dawn and dusk.

Scan the road ahead so you have more reaction time if an animal is spotted. Some animals, like deer, move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.

If a crash is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane, OTSO said. Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or cause you to lose control of your vehicle.