Daytime running lights (DRLs) are bright white forward-facing lights that improve the forward conspicuity of vehicles in the daytime. That is, they are intended to increase the chance of other motorists seeing the approach of a vehicle fitted with DRLs. In 2002, the National Roads and Motorists’ Association Limited (NRMA) commissioned research on the use of DRLs, that focused on the following issues: • The application of the generally favourable effectiveness studies from high-latitude countries to mid-latitudes such as Australia. • Possible disadvantages of using DRLs: increased fuel consumption, decreased bulb life, masking of other lights, effects on vulnerable road users. • Recent technology that might improve the effectiveness or decrease the disadvantages of DRL use. • The visual ergonomics of DRLs - theoretical analysis of the effective range of DRLs under a variety of lighting conditions. • Benefits and (tangible) costs of DRL. • Practical issues affecting motorists - availability of DRL systems, tips for using them etc. In order to explore the issue thoroughly, data on illumination theory and effectiveness of DRLs was sourced from both Australian and international literary databases, government organisations, road safety stakeholders and motorists’ organisations. The findings of the research study are outlined. (Author/publisher)
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