LANSING – As clocks “fall back” to standard time on Sunday, and it will get dark one hour earlier, the Michigan Department of Transportation reminds motorists to watch out for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists on the drive home.

Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute confirms that pedestrians are more at risk of serious injury from a motor vehicle crash in the weeks following a return to standard time. The most dangerous time is the first hour of darkness.

“Drivers need to realize that, after the time change, it may be more challenging to see people walking, running, or bicycling during late afternoons and early evenings as they will be much less noticeable,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “To ensure visibility, pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists are encouraged to wear brighter colored clothing with reflective material.”