AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin loses around 52 minutes of daylight during October. As our sunset times become earlier, it’s important to remember some driving tips to stay safe on the roads.
Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Daniel Armbruster from AAA Texas to learn more.
Editor’s Note: The transcript of this live Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Meteorologist Tommy House: What are some AAA Texas tips that drivers can use regarding headlights as we lose daylight this month?
Daniel Armbruster: Headlights are essential for good visibility at night. It’s really important to check for yellow cloudiness in your headlights. If you see that, there’s a deteriorated lens. It can appear dull, lazy, cloudy, or yellow. These lenses can make it more difficult to see at night. Make sure to get them replaced with a trusted mechanic.
Many repair shops, including those a part of the AAA-approved auto repair facilities, offer headlight restoration and replacement services. We have several locations in the Austin area, and by the way, our free program approved auto repair is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary.
House: With these earlier sunset times, how can drivers combat drowsiness behind the wheel?
Armbruster: Daylight savings time can lead to drowsiness due to disrupted sleep patterns. It’s really important to get enough sleep. At least seven hours of sleep is recommended to avoid sleep deprivation.
We know from studies at the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety that if you’re getting less than six hours of sleep a night, you are driving as if you’ve consumed alcohol. It can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
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