Daytime Running Lights for Motorcycles

The daytime use of motorcycle headlights has had mixed success in various countries. Dedicated lights that are optimised for use as daytime running lights (DRLs) can be far more effective and energy-efficient than low beam headlights. A difficulty with motorcycles is a lack of space for fitting extra lights at the front. In the USA many General Motors cars use bright yellow front turn signals as DRLs. The feasibility of applying this approach to motorcycles is examined. Initial research suggests that bright yellow DRLs could be highly cost effective for preventing motorcycle accidents. Technology improvements such as Light Emitting Diodes and ambient light sensors would make them even more effective.

• Record URL:
  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0178-W.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Paine, Michael
  • Paine, David
  • Haley, Jack
  • Cockfield, Samantha
• Conference:
  • 19th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV)
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2005-6-6 to 2005-6-9
• Publication Date: 2005-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 5p
• Monograph Title: Proceedings - 19th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV), Washington, D.C., June 6-9, 2005

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Countermeasures; Daytime running lamps; Light emitting diodes; Motorcycle crashes; Motorcycles; Sensors; Turn signals; Vehicle front end; Vehicle safety; Yellow
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ambient light; Motorcycle safety
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01070918
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 05-0178
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 10 2007 2:59PM