After clocks were switched to daylight saving time Sunday, the Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Fitness Foundation remind drivers to watch out for pedestrians, runners and bicyclists in the morning low light conditions. Sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning. Drivers also should allow a minimum 3-foot distance when passing a bicyclist, according to state law.

“Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility regardless of how you are getting around,” State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said in a news release. “Whether moving about by walking, rolling or driving a motor vehicle, it is essential everyone remain alert and avoid distractions to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.” Drivers also are reminded that Michigan’s distracted driving law makes it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle, he said. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms or shoulders.

Finally, people on foot or rolling are encouraged to wear brighter colored clothing with reflective material to enhance visibility.

Drivers are reminded that bicyclists are permitted to ride on most roadways in Michigan, unless otherwise posted. As legal roadway users, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.

Working with schools and communities across the state, MFF Safe Routes to School program staff provide best practices that help communities identify and overcome safety barriers that make it safe for children to commute safely to and from school.

“Through our Safe Routes to School partnership with MDOT, we work with communities to create safe environments for children who walk, bike and roll to school,” MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam said in the release. “As we all adjust to the upcoming time change, it is important to remind ourselves to stay alert on the roadways to keep children safe.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians and 1,105 pedalcyclists — bicyclists and riders of two-wheel, nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles and unicycles powered solely by pedals — died in traffic crashes in 2022. In Michigan, 2,224 pedestrians were involved in crashes, resulting in 183 killed and 1,743 injured, according to the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts for 2023. Bicycle crashes accounted for 24 killed and 1,126 injured in the same MTCF 2023 report. Most pedestrian and pedalcyclist fatalities, 76% and 50% respectively, occur during dark conditions between 5 and 9 p.m.