During this time of year, there is a more centralized focus on protecting pedestrians and cyclists on the roads--especially with the sun going down earlier.

City officials are urging New Yorkers to slow down and be smart on the roads. In this final week of the year and also the darkest days, there will be a heavy focus on safety.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration and the Department of Transportation will be cracking down on dangerous driving during their fourth annual Dusk and Darkness campaign.

The campaign started Nov. 1. It draws attention to the dangers that cyclists and pedestrians can face when the sun sets earlier and rises later.

According to city statistics, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 18-- failure to yield to the right away to pedestrians summonses issued were up 89%.

In that same period, speeding summons went up from 18,821 in 2018 to 18,913 this year. Bike lane summonses are also up 278%.

City officials will have increased enforcement with police increasing patrols during sunset hours.