Daylight saving time is wrapping up, and as such, motorists will be presented with challenges that could impact pedestrian safety.

That's why AAA East Central is recommending motorists to prepare for potential problems associated with changes in sleep patterns, brighter morning commutes and brighter evening commutes.

"While the extra hour of sleep may feel nice on Sunday morning, the time change could lead to greater risks behind the wheel," said AAA East Central Safety Advisor, Lori Cook.

"The time change can affect concentration, attention and decision making, so motorists should take extra precautions in the weeks ahead to avoid putting pedestrians into harm's way," Cook said.

Researchers at Stanford University, as well as Johns Hopkins University have found that the effects of the time change on motorists have been shown to last up to two weeks. 

Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep-deprived drivers cause over 6,400 deaths and 50,000 debilitating injuries on America's roadways each year.

While 95% of drivers view drowsy driving as dangerous, 17% of drivers still admitted to driving when they were so tired, they had trouble keeping their eyes open at least once in the previous 30 days before the 2020 Traffic Safety Culture Index survey.

AAA East Central recommends drivers to get plenty of rest before they drive, watch out for deer, as November and December are peak months for deer-related accidents, wear sunglasses while driving to avoid glare in the morning, reduce speeds in more populated areas, get rid of distractions such as cell phones, use headlights and remember to yield.

AAA recommends pedestrians to cross only at intersections and cross walks and to look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear, use the sidewalk, but if you have to walk on the road, walk facing traffic, wear bright colors, especially at night, carry a flashlight, avoid distractions such as cell phones and bike safely with a bike light on during the night.