The sun will soon set earlier in Mississippi with daylight saving time ending, and transportation officials are asking motorists and pedestrians to be cautious during dark hours.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation is calling on drivers to be prepared to slow down and watch out for walkers, joggers, or bikers when on local roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2024. Of these, 76% happened after sunset.
“With daylight saving time right around the corner, darker evenings can unfortunately result in more pedestrian-related crashes,” MDOT Executive Director Brad White said. “That’s why it’s so important for drivers to slow down and stay alert. This weekend, practice extra caution as a dramatic increase in costumed pedestrians is expected in residential areas.”
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While pedestrian fatalities have decreased slightly from the previous year’s study, officials say injuries are on the rise. In 2024, an estimated 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 74 minutes and injured every seven minutes in a traffic crash.
MDOT officials believe slowing down can lessen the risk and severity of pedestrian-involved crashes. Studies show that higher speeds significantly decrease pedestrian survival rates.
Below are some tips for drivers:
- Watch for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may be in unexpected places or hard to see, especially when visibility is lower at dusk, dawn, night, and in poor weather.
- Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.
- Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit and slow down around pedestrians.
- Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, including school zones and neighborhoods.
Below are tips for pedestrians:
- Never attempt to cross an interstate.
- Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available.
- If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic.
- Stay alert; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including smartphones, audio players, or other devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
- Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
- Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
More traffic safety information can be found here.