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RACV position

Daytime running lights (DRLs) reduce the risk of collision during the daytime.

RACV believes vehicle manufacturers should consider fitting their vehicles with dedicated DRLs.

RACV believes a limit in intensity of 1200 candela (a measure of the light's brightness) for DRLs will provide maximum visibility to other motorists in the daytime, while minimizing any glare effect.

In the absence of vehicles fitted with dedicated DRLs, RACV encourages motorists to operate their headlights on low beam during the daytime, in order to reduce the risk of a collision.

background

DRLs are lights fitted to the front of a vehicle that increase its conspicuity (visibility to other road users) during the daytime. They should not be confused with driving or fog lamps, which although similar in appearance are not designed for use in clear daylight conditions and are more likely to cause glare or annoyance to other motorists.

Other than the voluntary and manual operation of low-beam headlights, RACV is unaware of DRLs being available on any new vehicles sold in Australia.

current research

RACV recently co-sponsored research on the potential effects of DRL use in Australia. The results of that research are described in this Information Sheet.

How are DRLs proposed to decrease traffic crashes?

The use of DRLs make a vehicle easier for other motorists to see. This in turn decreases the likelihood of collisions such as:

• Head-on crashes,
• Crashes that follow from turning across the path of another vehicle (e.g. at an intersection), and
• Vehicle-pedestrian impacts.

They are unlikely to have any real benefit in single-vehicle or night-time crashes. Their effect on rear-end crashes is unclear.

cost to motorists

The costs of fitting and operating dedicated DRLs have been estimated as:

Supply and installation: production line $50 per vehicle, retrofit $200.

Annual cost:

• $2 for globe replacement (nominal).
• $5 to $11 for extra fuel.
• Total extra annual cost $7 to $13.

benefit to motorists

Estimates of the crash reduction resulting from full implementation of DRLs in Australia are for between 3 and 11 percent of all fatal crashes.

An analysis of DRL cost-effectiveness in Australia has concluded that fitment of DRLs to new vehicles compares well with other measures, and will have a net benefit for Australian motorists. Numerous overseas studies have drawn similar favourable conclusions about the effectiveness of DRLs in those countries.

RACV therefore supports the fitment of automatic DRLs to new cars, as well as voluntary use of low-beam headlights by motorists at all times.

overseas experience

The use of DRLs is currently required in countries including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. DRLs are also common in the US, with General Motors (GM) fitting them as standard to all of their vehicles since 1995.

A recent GM study found that DRLs fitted to its vehicles in the US were responsible for avoiding over 37,000 collisions. GM has asked the US government to make DRLs mandatory on all new vehicles.

headlamp usage regulations in victoria

Rule 214 of Road Rules - Victoria states that drivers must use headlights when driving 'at night or in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility'. Anecdotal evidence suggests motorists' adherence to this law in hazardous weather conditions is often poor.

motorcycle drls

In 1992 automatic (full time) headlights were mandated for fitment on all new motorcycles sold in Australia. This rule was repealed in 1997, with the Federal Government citing a lack of evidence that this rule had benefited motorcyclists. However current research suggests motorcycles equipped with dedicated DRLs may benefit from increased conspicuity.

fitting the right type of drl

• DRLs come in several forms, including:
• Dedicated lights with a defined beam pattern and light intensity.
• Low-beam headlights that illuminate when the car is started ("immediate headlights").
• Dimmed high beam headlights - the voltage to the high-beam headlights is regulated so that they have greatly reduced intensity.

RACV's current research has highlighted that dedicated DRLs will achieve the maximum benefits for motorists, including the maximum reduction in collision risk, at the minimum additional cost.

An example of a dedicated DRL is shown in  on this page. It is designed specifically to maximize the vehicle's visibility in the daytime and to minimize glare to other motorists, as well as minimizing required power (fuel consumption).

alternatives to mandatory drls

RACV encourages drivers of vehicles not fitted with dedicated DRLs to use their low-beam headlights at all times. Some newer-model vehicles are fitted with a feature that automatically switches the headlights off with the ignition. This allows drivers to leave their headlights in the On position, without risking leaving them on after exiting the car and flattening the battery.

use of fog or driving lights

RACV is aware of and receives many complaints relating to the use of driving and fog lights in clear conditions. While these lights may improve the visibility of that particular vehicle, they are also likely to reduce the visibility of other road users by causing glare and are a common source of annoyance.

RACV advises motorists to operate fog lights only in adverse weather conditions, such as in fog or snow.

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