The end of Daylight Saving Time is Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 2:00 a.m., clocks across most of the United States will “fall back” by one hour. Not only is fall back 2022 the ideal time to catch some extra Zs, it’s also a good reminder to tackle any home maintenance you’ve been putting off, and get your car ready for the coming winter. Fall back into safety with these four tips from the personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
#1: Test Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” campaign by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries during the beginning and end of daylight saving time each year. Be sure to also test all of the detectors in your home—there’s a handy “test” button on all devices, and it takes only a few seconds to give you peace of mind. Finally, if your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, consider replacing each unit. These actions can go a long way towards reducing the risk of house fires and burn injuries.
#2: Purge Your Medicine Cabinet
Fall back 2022 is also a good time to go through your medicine cabinet. Not only should you stock up on crucial medicines to get you and your family through cold and flu season, but you should also take the time to properly dispose of any expired prescription or non-prescription drugs. In addition, keep an eye out for any dangerous drugs in your medicine cabinet that may have been subject to recalls. While many medications can simply be discarded in the household trash, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some require special disposal methods. Here are some quick tips for proper medication disposal:
- Follow any specific disposal instructions on the prescription drug labeling or patient information that accompanies the medicine. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so.
- Take advantage of programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Check with your local law enforcement agencies to see if they sponsor medicine take-back programs in your community. You can also contact your trash and recycling service to learn about medication disposal options and guidelines for your area.
- Transfer unused medicines to collectors registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Authorized sites may include retail, hospital or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement locations. Some offer mail-back programs or drop boxes. Visit the DEA’s website for more information and to find an authorized collector in your community.
#3: Get Your Car Ready for Winter
One of the most noticeable impacts of the end of daylight saving time each year is just how much earlier it gets dark outside. If you’re used to driving in the early evening, keep in mind that you’ll probably need to turn on your headlights sooner than you’re accustomed to while heading home from work. In addition, be sure to check out some of our winter car maintenance guides below to help prevent avoidable car accidents.
- Is Your Car Ready for Winter Driving in New Mexico?
- Prepare Yourself for Arizona’s Winter
- Get Your Car Ready for Las Vegas Winter
- How to Prepare Your Car for Winter in Chicago
#4: Take Extra Precautions as a Pedestrian or Cyclist
Pedestrians and bicyclists are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to the end of daylight saving time each year. The shorter days and waning sunlight make non-motorists more difficult to see and thus much more prone to pedestrian and/or bicycle accidents with motorists. Drivers who are still getting used to the time change may not be on the lookout for foot or bike traffic, especially at dawn or dusk.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are encouraged to take extra precautions during this time of year, including wearing bright, reflective clothing, using bike lights, and sticking to protected sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes whenever possible.
Injured? Make One Call, That’s All!
The end of Daylight Saving Time means cooler weather, getting ready for the upcoming holidays, and spending more quality time with family and friends. Be sure to get into the habit of these fall safety practices before the season gets too busy, since you’ll be more likely to forget.
Should you or a family member suffer a personal injury during the end of daylight saving time or over the holidays, know that Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is available to help 24/7. Our law firm offers free, no obligation consultations and charges you nothing until we make a financial recovery on your behalf—that’s our no fee promise.
Visit one of our many offices located throughout the United States from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, or call us anytime at 844-977-1900. You can also chat with one of our representatives online, or fill out this form to be forwarded to the law office closest to you.