Daytime running lights could save lives

Up to 32 fatal crashes in NSW could be prevented each year by making daytime running lights standard on all new vehicles, saving lives and preventing injuries, new NRMA research has found.
NRMA Motoring & Services Acting CEO, Mr Peter Steele, said
NRMA research found daytime running lights (DRLs) - bright
forward-facing lights designed to make vehicles more visible during
the day are already delivering safety benefits in Europe and the
US.
Overseas experience reports half of all daytime crashes occur
partly because the driver fails to see the other vehicle even on
sunny days. Lack of visibility is also a factor in four out of five
daytime intersection crashes, Mr Steele said.
Different studies in the US and Europe indicate that daytime
running lights could help prevent anywhere between 7 25 per cent of
all fatal daytime crashes between vehicles.
In Australia, NRMA research suggests that full implementation
of DRLs could prevent between 3 - 11 per cent of all fatal crashes.
Last year in NSW there were 288 fatal crashes, which would
mean daytime running lights could have prevented between 9 - 32
fatal crashes in this State alone.
Mr Steele said the Federal government should introduce
legislation that make DRLs standard on all new vehicles.
NRMA will today write to the Federal Government and car
manufacturers about the possibility of daytime running lights being
introduced as a standard feature on all new cars sold in Australia,
Mr Steele said.
Mr Steele said several aspects of the technology need to be
changed before DRLs are implemented, including amending the
Australian Design Rules to make the lights brighter for Australian
conditions and introducing light-sensing and automatic switch off
systems.
Mr Steele said DRLs are more visible in daylight than
standard low beam headlights and more energy efficient.
If motorists dont have DRLs, NRMA provides the following
advice:If other vehicles are more noticeable when using low beam
headlights you may also consider turning your low beam headlights
on to make your vehicle more visible.Some vehicles, such as the Holden VY Commodore, have built in
sensors and automatically turn your lights on if light is poor for
these vehicles use the Auto selection.Some vehicles automatically turn vehicles headlights off when
the key is out of the ignition. In this instance, consider leaving
your headlights on all the time.Check whether your vehicle has an alert if you leave your
headlights on an alert generates a beeping sound when the key is
out of the ignition. This will prevent you leaving lights on and
getting a flat battery.Dont use fog lights it is illegal to use them unless
visibility is poor. Foglights are not designed to direct light
towards oncoming drivers.Never use parking lights when moving they are of no benefit to
improving your visibility in Australian conditions.