It’s time to prepare for the daylight-saving “fall back” change: daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., when clocks move back one hour to 1 a.m. (NIST) The clock change brings earlier morning light and earlier evening darkness, not an extra hour of morning darkness. (Tampa time-change information)

For fleets that start before sunrise or finish after sunset, now is a good time to focus on a simple safety message: see and be seen. RDK recommends using the end of daylight saving time as a reminder to inspect truck lighting, refresh driver procedures, and check the work areas around every truck.

Earlier sunsets deserve a fresh safety check

In Tampa, sunrise on November 1 will be approximately 6:41 a.m., with sunset at 5:45 p.m.; trucks leaving at 4 or 5 a.m. will still be working before sunrise. (Tampa sunrise and sunset) Our recommendation is to review both ends of the workday: early departures, the last stops on a route, and the return to the yard.

Schedule a pre-dawn or after-dark inspection while there is still time to complete repairs.

Check the whole truck, not just the headlights

Lighting devices, reflectors, mirrors, and windshield wipers are among the items covered by FMCSA’s pre-trip inspection guidance. (FMCSA inspection guidance) For your seasonal readiness check, we recommend organizing the walk-around into four areas:

• Road lighting: Test low and high beams, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, clearance lights, side markers, and reverse lights.
• Body and work-area lighting: Where fitted, check hopper lights, steps, side-work lights, and lighting at body controls. Look for dark areas where a crew member needs to stand or work.
• Visibility surfaces: Clean mirrors, windows, camera lenses, lamp lenses, reflectors, and reflective markings. Flag damaged or missing items for repair.
• Backing equipment: Test cameras, monitors, and backup alarms using a controlled procedure with personnel clear of the truck’s path.

A headlight that turns on still deserves a condition check: cloudy lenses can limit the driver’s ability to see and the vehicle’s visibility to others. (Florida vehicle-safety guidance) Ask the shop to assess lens condition and headlight aim, and check work lights for glare into mirrors, cameras, or approaching traffic.

Make crew visibility part of the routine

NIOSH recommends high-visibility apparel for refuse-truck spotters and maintaining visual contact between the operator and workers on foot. (NIOSH refuse-truck safety) Before the change, inspect crew gear and practice the backing procedure together.

• Reflective clothing: Check for wear, damage, and dirt. Make sure jackets and rainwear do not cover the high-visibility apparel.
• Personal lighting: Equip crews with working flashlights for inspections and walking through unlit areas.
• Spotter communication: Agree on signals and safe positions before moving. Stop immediately if visual contact with the spotter is lost. (NIOSH refuse-truck safety)
• Rear-step safety: Never back a refuse truck with anyone riding the rear step. (NIOSH refuse-truck safety)

Give drivers time to work safely

Florida’s driver guidance advises against driving faster than your headlights allow you to see, while its pedestrian-safety guidance calls for extra caution in darkness and other low-visibility conditions. (Florida driver handbook, Florida pedestrian safety) Review poorly lit stops, crosswalks, school areas, and backing locations, and give drivers time to slow down rather than rush to finish a route.

Adequate rest belongs in the same conversation: commercial drivers and shift workers are among the groups at increased risk for drowsy-driving crashes. (Florida drowsy-driving guidance) Encourage drivers to report fatigue and visibility problems promptly, without pressure to keep going.

Prepare now, before the clocks change

RDK recommends setting October 30 as your target for completing lighting repairs and holding a short driver safety meeting. Assign someone to check yard-light timers, gate and walkway lighting, cab clocks, and dispatch time settings, following equipment-provider instructions where applicable.

Use the first week after the change to ask drivers what they are seeing on their routes.

RDK: We’re here to help. We give you more choices.

Your next step might be replacing a light, planning a service visit, or reviewing options for your fleet. Tell us what you need, and let’s talk through the choices.

RDK offers parts and service support, new and pre-owned truck sales, leasing, and rentals. (RDK Truck Sales) Ask us about:

• Parts and service: Discuss lighting concerns, replacement-part needs, and service scheduling.
• Truck choices: Compare equipment options for your routes and operating needs.
• Leasing and rentals: Explore alternatives to purchasing and ask about availability for temporary fleet needs.