HENDERSON, Ky. – This weekend the annual shift out of daylight‑saving time will take place, and Henderson drivers should prepare for darker evenings and a change in their daily routine. At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks will be set back one hour, moving to 1 a.m. and giving most residents an extra hour of rest.
What the time change means for drivers
When the sun sets earlier, many motorists underestimate how quickly visibility will decline. Trooper Mike Wathen of the Kentucky State Police explained that the earlier darkness can catch drivers off guard, especially on rural roads and during the morning commute.
“The key is to treat the hour change like any other safety reminder,” Wathen said. “Plan for a little extra darkness, keep your headlights on, and stay focused on the road.”
Practical safety tips
- Adjust your schedule. Use the extra hour of sleep to get a full night’s rest, which helps maintain alertness behind the wheel.
- Check your lights. Make sure headlights, taillights, and signal lights are clean and functioning before the evening commute.
- Slow down in low‑light areas. Rural routes and poorly lit streets around Henderson can become hazardous after sunset.
- Stay off the phone. Distractions are more dangerous when visibility is reduced.
- Watch for pedestrians. Children returning from after‑school activities may be walking home in dimmer light.
Wathen also reminded drivers that the time change is an excellent opportunity to check vehicle safety equipment, such as windshield wipers and tire tread, before winter weather arrives.
Community response
Local officials and community groups have echoed the trooper’s advice, encouraging residents to share the safety message with friends and family. The Henderson Police Department plans to increase patrols on major thoroughfares during the first few evenings after the clocks change.
“We want everyone to enjoy the extra hour of sleep without compromising safety on our roads,” said Police Chief Laura Martinez. “A little extra caution goes a long way in preventing accidents.”
Why the change matters
Daylight‑saving time was originally adopted to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. While the practice has its critics, the shift back to standard time remains a nationwide routine that affects everything from school schedules to business hours.
For Henderson residents, the practical impact is simple: an earlier sunset and a chance to reset daily habits. By following the safety tips shared by Trooper Wathen and local law‑enforcement, drivers can enjoy the benefits of the time change while keeping our community’s roads safe.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
