France: Pedestrian accident risk rises following winter time transition

The transition to winter time in France has led to a significant increase in pedestrian accidents during the early evening hours. Data from the Observatoire national interministériel de la sécurité routière (ONISR) indicates that accidents involving pedestrians rise by 34.9% between 17:00 and 19:00 in November compared to October.

This spike occurs as the onset of darkness coincides with peak commuting times, such as school departures and the end of the workday. The period between October and January accounts for approximately 42% to 43% of annual pedestrian fatalities.

Experts note that the risk is exacerbated by reduced visibility, glare from headlights, and human behavior where pedestrians and drivers fail to adjust to the sudden change in light. Additionally, urban infrastructure issues, such as energy-saving measures that lead to the turning off of streetlights in some municipalities, further contribute to the danger.