Earlier darkness raises crash risks on Styrian roads

Earlier darkness after the switch to winter time increases risks on Styrian roads, particularly from wildlife crossing roads, ORF reports.

Clocks went back one hour overnight from Saturday to Sunday, making sunrise and sunset an hour earlier. Wildlife such as hares, deer and wild boar do not change their habits, shifting the risk of collisions into the morning commute. Pedestrian crossing accidents also tend to increase as it gets dark earlier.

The Austrian Transport Club, known as VCÖ, urged drivers to slow down where pedestrians may cross. November was the month with the most accidents at pedestrian crossings last year, with 22 recorded. Pedestrians are advised to wear reflective clothing.

Livestock can also respond to the time change. In the morning, dairy cows effectively have an extra hour to produce milk, so output could rise slightly.

Smartphones and computers usually change the time automatically, but devices such as ovens, alarm-system cameras, heating controls and car clocks may need to be adjusted manually.