When it starts getting dark faster, people need to be on their A-game behind the wheel.
Privately-contracted traffic safety consultant Dave McKenzie made his comments to the Barrhead Leader Oct. 20 and noted that light and weather conditions can change quickly.
“The daylight is lessening and we’re due for a time change Nov. 5. It’s amazing to me how quickly we can get used to driving in certain conditions and how long it takes us to adapt when those conditions change,” McKenzie said, noting motorists need to pay attention.
McKenzie, a former RCMP officer and Alberta Transportation safety officer, said some lighting conditions, such as fog, take vehicle sensors time to register the changes.
“With the decrease in daylight and the tendency for it to be more overcast now than at other times of the year, I think it is important to make sure you are prepared, that you leave time to stop between yourself and another motorist.”
Many drivers tend to rely on their running lights in low-light conditions, McKenzie noted.
“You want to be seen on the road and having your taillights on makes you more visible. The same goes for your headlights. Just like everything else on the road, your condition can change so quickly and if you aren’t paying attention, it will be the time it takes you to react that dictates whether you live or not.”
In addition, McKenzie said it is not simply an issue of keeping your hands free.
“The sun may be lower, you may have a sunvisor in the way. Right now, it is also hunting season and that means the animals, the big guys that ruin your day when you hit them, are on the move. Deer or a moose, hitting either could spell the end for you or your vehicle, especially if you hit a moose,” McKenzie said, adding neither have great eye-sight.
“Moose are called the king of the woods for a reason. They’re very big, curious creatures and, of course, their antlers are pretty big too. However, when you hit one, a moose can miss your bumper or grill, or worse, they can get lodged inside your vehicle. I’ve personally seen roofs sheared off completely after a moose-strike.”
