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NYC warns of traffic crashes as Daylight Saving Time ends and sun sets earlier
By
Paige Oamek
Published Oct 27, 2025
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lechatnoir via Getty Images
By
Paige Oamek
Published Oct 27, 2025
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New York City officials are reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be on high alert navigating streets as clocks fall back this weekend and daylight fades earlier.
The Department of Transportation and other city agencies announced the return of their annual “Dusk and Darkness” campaign, reminding New Yorkers that the weeks following the end of Daylight Saving Time are among the most dangerous on local roads because of reduced visibility. The period ends early Sunday morning, sending clocks back an hour.
Officials said despite a near-record low number of traffic deaths this year, they will continue to ramp up enforcement against erratic, distracted and dangerous driving to keep people safe as the sun begins to set before the evening rush hour.
“To every driver we say this: Slow down, pay attention,” NYPD Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola Obe said at a press conference Monday. “Remember that visibility changes quickly this time of year, and every safe choice you make helps protect your neighbors, your family and yourself.”
Starting in late October, police increased enforcement for failure to yield to pedestrians and other moving violations, with a focus on late afternoons and evenings, according to officials. Traffic enforcement agents are also targeting vehicles that are double-parked, obstructing crosswalks and blocking bike and bus lanes.
Staff for the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission will also visit areas popular with for-hire drivers to remind them to drive cautiously. Commissioner David Do pointed to the science behind the dangers of earlier darkness on the roads.
“It takes up to 30 minutes for the rods and cones in our eyes to adapt to darkness,” he said. “The lower visibility reduces your reaction time. … When it’s sunset, change your mindset.”
The city has recorded 174 traffic deaths through Oct. 19, a 16% decline from the same date last year, NYPD data shows.
The sun will set before 6 p.m. this Friday, when many children and their families will be out trick-or-treating for Halloween. After clocks fall back Sunday, sunsets will be even earlier over the coming months.
“Drivers, do your part — look for pedestrians and look for cyclists, especially as we change the time,” Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. “As we are getting ready to plan a holiday, everyone should go home safe.”
Tagged
daylight saving time
new york city
public safety
transportation
Paige Oamek
Paige Oamek is a reporter on Gothamist & WNYC's day-of general assignment desk.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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