DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS: THE ATTENTION LIGHT. A LITERATURE SURVEY OF DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND THEIR EFFECT ON ROAD SAFETY IN THE NETHERLANDS
A literature study was conducted to investigate whether it would be beneficial to introduce daytime running lights (DRL) for all motor vehicles in the Netherlands. The observations and research results reported in the literature deal with the experiences of fleet-owners and of countries which have made DRL compulsory. These results have, without exception, proved positive for road safety, even though methodological objections can be pointed out for all these studies. Taken overall, a convincing picture is presented: a potential reduction of at least 5% in the overall number of accidents and road victims. A possible unfavorable side effect for slow traffic cannot be deduced from these studies. This is a relevant question for the Netherlands, which has a large proportion of slow traffic. It seems unlikely that any negative effect will overrule the positive effect attributed to the increased visibility of motor vehicles. The recommended adaptation is a light fitted in combination with parking lights, similar to the Swedish standard. This light could also serve as an improved side light to replace the use of - often glaring - low-beam headlights in built-up areas. The main conclusion is that the introduction of DRL would have a positive effect on road safety in the Netherlands, one that would more than compensate for the costs involved.
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Corporate Authors:
Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV
Bezuidenhoutseweg 62
The Hague, Netherlands 2594 AW -
Authors:
- POLAK, P H
- Publication Date: 1987
Media Info
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: 33 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Daytime running lamps; Design; Highway safety; Impacts; Reviews; Safety; Slow moving vehicles; Traffic safety; Visibility
- Geographic Terms: Netherlands
- Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00610229
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: R-87-36, HS-040 931
- Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
- Created Date: Jun 30 1991 12:00AM