Daylight savings season ends Sunday at 2 a.m. That means the sun will set an hour earlier -- so, starting next week, we'll all have a darker drive home from work each day.

In a DOT press release, the state's chief traffic engineer warns us to be careful:

“For many people, it will be almost dark or dark when they leave work, making it more difficult to see bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as other vehicles,” said Kevin Lacy, state traffic engineer for the NCDOT. “As days grow shorter, drivers should also stay alert for school children at bus stops in the early morning hours.”

“Additionally, commuters should be on the lookout for deer, which are most active this time of year especially at dusk,” added Lacy.

This is a good time to make sure your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and signal lights are working. Every night on my drive home, I see drivers who don't realize they need to replace a bulb or two.