The working group gives in the present report its findings and proposals about the use of daytime running lights on cars. A number of behaviour science studies are presented which clearly indicate that the use of daytime running lights increases vehicle visibility. It is pointed out that studies of accident statistics, i.e. in connection with field experiments in various countries, all demonstrate that the use of daytime running lights results in a decrease of the number of accidents. As for the use of daytime running lights from a technical and an economical point of view the working group finds that the standard dipped headlights without any technical measures quite satisfactorily can meet the need for running lights in daytime at a very reasonable cost. The working group also mentions other possible running lights, some of which have been tested in traffic; modifications of the standard lights such as reduced dipped head lights, strongly reduced headlights and built-in or separate running lights. In order to improve road traffic safety by means of an increased use of daytime running lights such use should, according to the working group, be made compulsory by regulations - without any time or local restrictions - to that effect. A number of reasons for an unrestricted compulsory use of daytime running lights is presented. The working group reasons that permanent use of lights should not cause drivers any practical problems and that the cost increases for the individuals are limited to at present about 1% of the total annual car costs and in the long run - when better solutions have been found - to even less.
Abstract