Safety officials warn of increased road risks during Halloween and daylight saving time end

Transportation officials and medical experts are urging caution as Halloween coincides with the end of daylight saving time. In Atlanta, pediatric emergency physician Dr. Maneesha Agarwal has advised drivers to slow down and avoid distractions, noting that sunset occurs at 6:46 p.m. on October 31. A study cited by Dr. Agarwal indicates that the risk of pedestrian death is 43 percent higher on Halloween than on comparable nights, with children aged 4 to 8 facing a tenfold higher risk.

In Maryland, state transportation officials are warning that the transition out of daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, will result in earlier darkness for evening commutes. Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thompson noted that fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists can increase by as much as 13 percent in the weeks following the time change. While Maryland reported a 7 percent decrease in pedestrian-related crashes in 2025 compared to 2024, officials emphasize that road safety remains a critical concern as daylight hours shorten.