New York City officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when navigating the streets this weekend as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end and daylight hours dwindle rapidly. The Department of Transportation and other city agencies have launched their annual "Dusk and Darkness" campaign, a stark reminder that the weeks following the clocks' reset are among the most perilous for drivers.
A total of 174 traffic fatalities had been reported by October 19, a decrease of 16% from the same period last year. This decline, however, has not diminished the city's concern over road safety. Law enforcement is stepping up patrols to target erratic and distracted driving, with a focus on late afternoons and evenings.
NYPD Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola Obe urged drivers to "Slow down, pay attention," citing the reduced visibility as the main factor in these crashes. According to Obe, every safe choice made by drivers can help protect not only themselves but also their neighbors and loved ones.
As nightfall approaches earlier this weekend, police will be cracking down on double-parked vehicles obstructing crosswalks and bike lanes. Officials warn that reduced visibility can take up to 30 minutes for the eyes to adjust, significantly reducing reaction time.
Staff from the Taxi and Limousine Commission will also conduct spot checks in high-risk areas, emphasizing the importance of drivers being mindful of their surroundings. This is a critical reminder as many families with children plan trick-or-treating excursions after sunset on Friday.
Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that "as we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, everyone should go home safely." By working together and taking extra precautions, New York City can minimize the risk of traffic accidents during this critical period.
A total of 174 traffic fatalities had been reported by October 19, a decrease of 16% from the same period last year. This decline, however, has not diminished the city's concern over road safety. Law enforcement is stepping up patrols to target erratic and distracted driving, with a focus on late afternoons and evenings.
NYPD Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola Obe urged drivers to "Slow down, pay attention," citing the reduced visibility as the main factor in these crashes. According to Obe, every safe choice made by drivers can help protect not only themselves but also their neighbors and loved ones.
As nightfall approaches earlier this weekend, police will be cracking down on double-parked vehicles obstructing crosswalks and bike lanes. Officials warn that reduced visibility can take up to 30 minutes for the eyes to adjust, significantly reducing reaction time.
Staff from the Taxi and Limousine Commission will also conduct spot checks in high-risk areas, emphasizing the importance of drivers being mindful of their surroundings. This is a critical reminder as many families with children plan trick-or-treating excursions after sunset on Friday.
Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that "as we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, everyone should go home safely." By working together and taking extra precautions, New York City can minimize the risk of traffic accidents during this critical period.
meanwhile, why r they targeting double-parked cars? thats just gonna cause more traffic jams... or maybe its good for da city to be all strict about it? 
idk
You know how much I hate driving at night after the clocks fall back 
! It's like, my eyes are still trying to adjust from daylight hours and all I see is dark roads ahead 
. I'm glad NYPD is cracking down on double-parked vehicles though, it's just so frustrating when you're trying to cross the street and there's a car blocking your way 
. And can we please talk about how some drivers still think it's okay to text while driving? Like, what's wrong with these people? 
Slow down, pay attention, indeed! 
I mean, have you seen those roads? They're like, super dark already! And with all these double-parkers everywhere, it's a total tripping hazard... err, I mean, a safety hazard 
. Can't stress enough how crazy those afternoons and evenings are. My aunt almost got into an accident last year during trick-or-treating 
. Just wanna make sure everyone gets home safely for the holiday season 
... all this time in the dark, it's like our brains are stuck on summer mode 
... slow down, pay attention... it's not that hard 
... visibility is key 
... safety first, always 
anyway i gotta give props to nypd tho, they're doin some great work with these patrols and warnings...let's all just try to be safe & aware out there, especially with all those little ghosts out trick-or-treating 
Luckily, we made it to our place without any issues, but my friend's kid had to wait 10 minutes for us because he got lost on the way back to his school. Anyway, this year's "Dusk and Darkness" campaign is a good reminder to all of us to be more careful on the roads. Slowing down and paying attention is key... trust me, I've seen some crazy stuff on my commute! 
so yeah, NYPD is right on point about slowing down & paying attention - 174 traffic fatalities in oct already? that's just wrong 
especially when u got families with little ones out trick-or-treating 
gotta be careful out there and make sure ur surroundings are clear. dont let double-parking or reckless driving ruin ur evening 
like what's next? slow down, pay attention is literally all we need to hear from these officials... it's not that hard folks 
like seriously ppl slow down and pay attention!!! i mean 174 traffic fatalities is crazy enough let alone double-parked vehicles obstructing crosswalks and bike lanes 
And, I don't know, 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust in the dark is just a really long time... can we get some better streetlights or something? 
, daylight saving time ending can be super sketchy on the streets, esp after dark... i mean we're already seeing more crashes, so let's all try to stay alert & focused when driving or walking around 
. i'm not saying NYC is trying to suck the fun outta trick-or-treating, but maybe just slow down a bit & be aware of where you're going? 
Let's hope this "Dusk and Darkness" campaign really makes a difference! The extra patrols and spot checks are a great idea too - I'm sure the police and taxi commission staff will do their best to keep everyone safe 
. And who doesn't love the idea of trick-or-treating with the family? 
... Like, Daylight Saving Time is just an excuse for them to step up patrols and crack down on drivers who are already doin' their job right, you feel? And what's with all this "Slow down, pay attention" vibe? It sounds like they're tryin' to control our minds, man 
. And don't even get me started on them double-parked vehicles obstructing crosswalks... that's just code for "they're tryin' to keep us in line"