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Seasonal time changes and road safety risks

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2026-10-23 10:59 UTC → 2026-10-25 14:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The transition to standard time and darker evenings has been linked to increased risks for various road users. In Germany, the shift to winter time coincides with higher wildlife-related traffic accidents, as commuting hours overlap with the peak activity of animals like deer and wild boar. Data from the German Insurance Association indicates approximately 276,000 such accidents occurred in 2024. In Ireland, the change is associated with a rise in pedestrian accidents. Data from the Vias Institute suggests serious pedestrian accidents increase by 73% following the clock change, with evening rush hour accidents rising by 39% between October and November. The Irish Road Safety Authority notes that nearly two-thirds of pedestrian fatalities occur between 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., with older individuals and men being particularly affected. Specifically, individuals aged 75 and older account for 23% of pedestrian fatalities, while men represent 66%. Urban areas such as Dublin and Cork report the highest numbers of serious injuries and deaths. In Austria, the ÖAMTC notes that the shift causes rush hour to coincide with twilight, a period of high animal activity. To mitigate risks, the ADAC advises drivers to monitor road edges and exercise caution in forested areas. Safety organizations recommend that pedestrians wear reflective clothing to increase visibility by up to 150 metres, and that drivers use dipped headlights in urban areas.

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