On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Daylight Saving Time ends. Before heading to bed Saturday night, remember to set your clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
While many people welcome the extra hour, changes to our sleep schedule can still affect the body’s natural internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Even small disruptions can lead to drowsiness, reduced alertness, and slower decision-making, especially during the first days after the time change.
For operators, staying alert is one of the most important parts of working safely. Our Golden Safety Rules remind us to take care of our well-being, which includes staying well-rested and managing fatigue. As we adjust to shorter days and longer periods of darkness, it is important to take steps to manage fatigue and stay focused on the road. Here are some ways to help stay alert during the time transition:
- Maintain quality sleep and avoid building up a “sleep debt”
- Stay hydrated, maintain healthy eating habits, and support your overall wellness
- Be aware that alertness naturally decreases during certain times of the day, including early morning and mid-afternoon hours
- Take a moment to refocus throughout your shift and remain aware of changing conditions around you
- Expect darker mornings and evenings while remaining alert to pedestrians, cyclists, and other roadway hazards
As daylight hours decrease, visibility changes and can make it harder to spot hazards quickly. Combined with fatigue, these conditions can increase risk if you are not fully alert. Take care of yourself, get the rest you need, and stay alert to your surroundings. Safety First!
