Daytime Running of Lights for Safety

Many accidents occur because of drivers’ failure to notice other vehicles using the road. One of the most effective ways of improving visibility is by using lights during the day, even in bright sunshine. This can save lives and the accompanying heartbreak and sorrow that come with it

THE importance of daytime headlight use as an accident-prevention strategy has been confirmed in extensive research conducted in KwaZulu-Natal by the University of Natal’s Interdisciplinary Accident Research Centre (UNIARC). Road safety interest groups and law enforcement agencies have taken a keen interest in the findings on what is now being commonly referred to as DRL - daytime running lights.

In essence, the UNIARC report reinforces the view that DRL has potential to make a significant contribution to the reduction of crashes and, consequently, the high carnage on our roads, manifested in injuries and deaths. And perhaps the key function of DRL is to help the driver capture attention, especially in the peripheral visual field. Put simply, if practiced with commitment, this could save many lives and a great deal of pain. The irony is that the vehicles that use lights during the day are, in the main, ones that transport dead people or ones that want to indicate an emergency situation.

UNIARC researchers suggest that the use of headlights by motorcyclists during the day has had the direct effect of cutting the number of accidents involving motorcyles by seven percent. Elsewhere in the world, a number of countries have made it a legal requirement for drivers to use lights when it rains and in other times of poor visibility.

The research report says: "The national Department of Transport also has an understanding of good eyesight as a safety factor. When applying for the new Credit Card Format (CCF) driving licence, applicants are obliged to undergo and pass an eye test to qualify.

"Regulation 161A under the Road Traffic Act also provides an opportunity to fit daytime running lights to vehicles, even though it is not obligatory at this stage.

"Perceptions of moving objects and various types of movements are considered to be extremely important in the preservation of life and the promotion of safety."

The UNIARC research and several others before it have all reinforced the view that about 80 percent of road accidents are caused, in one way or another, by human error or negligence.

"The use of DRLs would have a positive effect on specific accidents and would also assist in noticing the presence of dark-coloured cars."

If there is any doubt about the effectiveness of DRL, then consider this: one in seven accidents happen simply because the driver "didn’t see" the other vehicle.

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