WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The clocks are turning back this weekend. Come Monday the sun will set before 5 p.m.
That means many will be commuting in the dark. To help keep roads safe while drivers adjust, Williamson County law enforcement will step up patrols.
The end of Daylight Saving can disrupt sleep schedules. Additionally, darker afternoons could lead to drowsy drivers behind the wheel. To help keep drivers safe, officers in Williamson County and Rutherford County are launching Operation Fall Back.
"We fall back with time on Sunday night. Monday morning, we're going to come out and work and try to stop people from driving distracted, try to slow people down and just try to prevent some crashes in Williamson County," lieutenant Jesse Williams with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office told News 2.
The agencies are working overtime Monday from midnight to 11:59 p.m., focusing on Interstate 840 and Highway 96. Officers will also have a presence on Jefferson Pike and South Lowry Street.
"Over the last 90 days, we've had 49 crashes and 240 calls for reckless driving on those two roads," Williams added. "That's the reason we're going to target those roads. We're hoping to slow some of the reckless driving down."
Williams gave some reminders to drivers about driving in darker conditions, including keeping pedestrians and bicyclists in mind.
"Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you're tired, your perception and reaction time is going to be slower."
Deputies added that you should make sure your headlights are in good shape. Finally, if you're fighting to stay awake while driving, find a safe place to pull over.