CLOCKS: Fall back, not asleep. 

This weekend’s end to daylight saving time means one glorious thing: an extra hour of sleep. Daylight saving time ended Sunday, and AAA East Central wants to remind drivers that this time shift isn’t all cozy blankets and pumpkin spice. It can mess with your sleep, your focus — and your ability to spot pedestrians in the dark.

“While the extra hour of sleep may feel nice on Sunday morning, the time change can lead to greater risks behind the wheel,” said Terri Rae Anthony, safety advisor, AAA East Central. “The time change can affect concentration, attention and decision making, so motorists should take extra precautions in the weeks ahead to avoid putting pedestrians in harm’s way.”

Stanford and Johns Hopkins researchers say the effects of the time change can linger for up to two weeks. That’s two weeks of foggy brains, slower reaction times and a higher risk of fatigue-fueled crashes. And with deer movement approaching its seasonal peak, your odds of meeting one on the road are already up.

AAA’s tips for drivers? Rest up, slow down, and don’t forget — your clock changed, but the deer’s didn’t. Use your headlights, wear sunglasses to fight morning glare, and ditch the distractions (yes, even the dashboard clock you’re trying to reset).

Pedestrians, you’re not off the hook. Stick to crosswalks, wear bright clothing and consider a flashlight if you’re walking at night. And if you’re biking, lights can be life-saving.

So enjoy that extra hour. Just don’t let it lull you into a false sense of safety. The roads are darker, the deer are bolder and your brain might still be catching up.