``Fall Back'' to Cautious Driving as Daylight-Saving Time Ends, Says AAA

    SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 24, 2001--Another hour of dangerous driving looms this weekend with the shift from daylight-saving time to standard time on Sunday at 2 a.m.
    "Night driving is more dangerous this time of year due to several factors," said Bronwyn Hogan, AAA spokeswoman. "A longer period of darkness means less visibility, increased chance of driver fatigue and the fact that more drunk drivers are out there on darker roads. This requires motorists to be especially careful as we adjust to the time change."
    According to the National Safety Council, death rates per mile traveled are four times higher at night than during the day. In the fall and winter months of 1999, there were 1,795 collision deaths and over 94,000 injuries on the roads throughout California, according to the California Highway Patrol. Not only is it harder to see at night, but stationary and moving lights can distract drivers.
    AAA offers these tips to improve your safety during night driving:

--	Be aware that night driving requires more concentration.
--	Don't rush. Allow for more time to reach your destination.
--	Watch for cars weaving in and out of traffic. There are more

drinking drivers at night.

    -- Don't stare at oncoming lights.

    -- Adjust your mirrors for night driving.

    -- Avoid night driving if you have a vision problem. Remember, ability to see at night often decreases with age.

    -- Keep headlights, windows, mirrors and eyeglasses clean.

    -- Make sure you are well rested before you begin a long drive. Stop every two hours, or every 100 miles, to rest.

    -- Eat light meals. Heavy meals tend to cause sleepiness.

    Established 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.