Multnomah County officials are reminding drivers to stay cautious as shorter days and darker conditions follow the end of Daylight Saving Time. Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, and watch for people walking, biking, and rolling along the roads, according to the Multnomah County.
Data from the Draft East Multnomah County Transportation Safety Action Plan, which reviewed more than 9,000 crash records from 2013 to 2022, shows a significant increase in serious traffic incidents. Nearly 500 people were seriously injured and more than 100 were killed during that period, with serious crashes nearly tripling by 2022.
The TSAP reported an increase in serious injuries and deaths during the winter months, affecting drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and people using mobility devices. Crashes were found to occur more often during dusk and dawn. “The November uptick in crash-related serious injuries and deaths could be potentially linked to Daylight Saving Time ending and the days getting shorter,” said TSAP Project Manager MaryJo Andersen. “This can be an adjustment for drivers. We ask that you slow down and be on the lookout for all road users – it could save a life,” she added, as stated by the Multnomah County.
