Daytime running lights have been introduced as a safety by vehicle manufacturers and the use of lights in the daytime has been made mandatory in some countries. However on the basis of an increase in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of 6-12%, other countries have rescinded the legislation. It is suggested that increasing the conspicuity of cars will render pedestrians and cyclists less visible and more vulnerable to 'looked but did not see' accidents. Evidence from opthalmologists of the effects of glare or over-bright light sources supporting this contention is presented. Xenon headlamps are considered a particular problem, especially when retrofitted to vehicles not originally designed for them, or when incorrectly adjusted. The campaign to prevent the legislation introducing daytime running lights in the UK is outlined.
Samenvatting