As daylight saving time draws to a close, it’s important to address risks posed by reduced evening visibility. Photo: American Ratings Corporation ©2018
In just a few days, we’ll all be turning back our clocks to coincide with the end of another daylight saving time (DST). Regardless of your sentiments toward this annual ritual, it’s important to be prepared for the time change. In particular, with the extended hours of darkness, you should take measures to maximize visibility during the end of DST. Here are a few to consider:
Check the lights throughout your home.
Make sure all light fixtures in your home are functional and replace any bulbs that look like they’ll burn out soon. If you’re still using incandescent bulbs to light your home, consider upgrading to LED lighting. Since LED bulbs use significantly less energy, you’ll save on your winter electrical bills.
Use night lights.
Ambient lights in hallways, bathrooms and other areas increase nighttime safety without interfering with sleep or using lots of energy. These days, there are plenty of ambient lighting products available, including motion sensor-activated LED lights that stick right on the wall.
Inspect and upgrade exterior lighting.
Exterior lighting enhances yard safety, home security and visual aesthetics, in some cases simultaneously. Prior to the time change, check your exterior light fixtures and consider adding to/upgrading them as needed. Here are some common types of exterior light fixtures:
- Motion sensor-activated lights (enhance safety and security)
- Wall sconces (a stylish way to light your porch)
- Path lighting (choose solar-powered for convenience and energy savings)
- In-ground accent lighting (illuminates trees, shrubs and other landscape features)
Inspect vehicle visibility features.
Test your vehicle’s headlights, brake lights and interior lights. You should also inspect your headlight assemblies for oxidization (foggy buildup caused by UV exposure). An auto repair professional can buff out oxidation to restore the clarity of your headlights.
Get a vision test.
If it has been awhile since your last eye exam, there’s no better time to schedule one. Even if you already wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to periodically verify that your prescription is meeting your needs.
Have your home’s electrical system inspected.
Electrical system inspections are an important part of home safety maintenance, so if it has been more than a couple of years since your last one, you’re past due. By assessing the condition of your electrical panel, wiring and other system elements, an inspection will help prevent safety risks and unexpected outages during the end of DST.