With clocks set to fall back one hour on Sunday, Michigan transportation officials are warning that pedestrians face heightened risk of serious traffic injuries in the weeks following the switch to standard time.
Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that the first hour of darkness is the most dangerous period.
The Michigan Department of Transportation and State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning are urging drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to wear brighter-colored clothing with reflective material to increase visibility. State law requires drivers to maintain at least a 3-foot distance when passing cyclists.
Under Michigan's distracted driving law, drivers cannot hold or support a phone or other mobile device with any part of their hands, arms or shoulders, according to State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich.
National data shows that 7,080 pedestrians and 1,103 people riding bicycles died in traffic crashes in 2024.
In Michigan, a 2025 state report found that 2,321 pedestrians were involved in traffic crashes, resulting in 184 deaths and 1,810 injuries. The peak hour for pedestrian crashes was between 5 and 5:59 p.m., accounting for 163 crashes or 8 percent of the total. Bicyclists experienced 35 deaths and 1,763 injuries, with peak crashes between 4 and 4:59 p.m. involving 205 riders. The peak hour for bicyclist fatalities was between 7 and 7:59 a.m., with five deaths.