Shorter Days, Darker Drives: Staying Safe on Central Texas Roads This Fall

Daylight saving time officially ended this past weekend, and if your evening commute suddenly feels a little darker (and longer), you’re not imagining it. With the sun setting earlier, Central Texas drivers are now facing reduced visibility, more glare during rush hour, and an increased risk of evening accidents. Whether you’re heading home from work on I-35 or cruising through the Hill Country at dusk, these shorter days call for a few smart driving adjustments to help keep you—and everyone else on the road—safe.

1. Watch Out for the Twilight Trap

The hour around sunset might look beautiful, but it’s also one of the most dangerous times to drive. The sun’s low angle can cause intense glare, making it tough to see traffic lights, pedestrians, and brake lights ahead.

Here’s how to keep your eyes on the road (and not the glare):

• 😎 Keep sunglasses handy for late-afternoon drives.
• 🌅 Use your sun visor strategically—it’s your best friend when the sun is sitting low on the horizon.
• 🚗 Slow down and increase following distance to give yourself more reaction time when visibility dips.

2. Clean Windshield, Clear Vision

Now that the time change has taken effect, it’s likely you’re driving home in the dark more often—and that makes visibility more important than ever. Even a thin film of dirt or streaks on your windshield can scatter light from oncoming headlights and make it harder to see.

Take a few minutes this week to:

• Clean the inside and outside of your windshield.
• Check your wipers for wear (replace them if they’re streaking).
• Top off your windshield washer fluid—Texas dust doesn’t take a season off.

These small steps can make a big difference when driving home under those earlier sunsets.

3. Review Your Auto Coverage Before Winter Hits

Shorter days and cooler nights also mean slicker roads, foggy mornings, and more deer activity—especially in rural parts of the Hill Country. Now’s the perfect time to review your liability and collision coverage to make sure you’re protected if the unexpected happens.

Drive Safe, Stay Bright

The time change might mean fewer daylight hours, but with a few precautions (and the right coverage), you can keep your evening drives safe and stress-free.

If you’re not sure whether your current auto policy still fits your driving habits this season, we’re happy to review it with you.
👉 Contact Dowd Insurance Agency today for a quick, no-pressure policy check-up.