DAYTIME LIGHTS - 20% FEWER ACCIDENTS

The Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations require that all cars, buses, and trucks sold in Canada will be equipped with automatic daytime running light (DRL) systems starting with the 1990 models. This was the result of extensive research by Transport Canada and successful experiments with such lights in Finland, Sweden and Norway. These lights will be activated whenever a vehicle is operated without its regular headlights. One study found 20% fewer accidents involving vehicles fitted with automated daytime lights. This means 120 lives will be saved annually, 11,000 fewer injuries, and a $200 million savings in medical costs. Studies have shown that drivers underestimate the speed of an approaching car that is unlit. DRLs will also be a boon for pedestrians, cyclists and animals. The Yukon jurisdiction in Canada has a law (1987) that compels all cars to have their lights on at all times when being driven. The use of low-beam headlights during the day, whether voluntary or compulsory, is an important adjunct to the new federal DRL regulation. It is hoped that non-owners of 1990 model cars will retrofit their older vehicles with DRL kits.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: https://www.library.northwestern.edu/find-borrow-request/requests-interlibrary-loan/lending-institutions.html
• Authors:
  • Finn, E
• Publication Date: 1989

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 18-19
• Serial:
  • TRANSPO
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Daytime running lamps; Laws; Safety; Traffic safety; Vehicle lighting
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• Old TRIS Terms: Running lights
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00488359
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1989 12:00AM