Daytime running lights for road safety

Many traffic crashes are the result of failure by the driver to notice another vehicle, and visual contrast is an essential characteristic, which enables a driver to detect vehicles.

According to research findings of the DOT-sponsored University of Natal’s Interdisciplinary Accident Research Centre (UNIARC), Road safety practitioners and administrators have voiced interest in the daytime running lights (DRLs) strategy as an attempt to reduce carnage on the roads.

The UNIARC report has confirmed that crash reduction potential of DRLs lies in the driver’s ability to capture attention, especially in the peripheral visual field, thereby enhancing detectability. Usually, vehicles that put lights on are the ones transporting dead people or any vehicle that has technical problems on the road.

UNIARC researchers argue that daytime headlights use on motorcycles has been associated with crash reduction of 7 to 18% and also, a number of countries require the daytime use of headlights on all motor vehicles when it is raining or during periods of poor visibility to reduce crashes.

The report states: "The South African National Department of Transport seems to also have an understanding of eyesight as another safety factor on the roads. When applying for the new Credit Card Format (CCF) driving license, 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 yet."

"Perception of moving objects and various types of movements is argued to be extremely important to the "preservation of life and safety". Research has confirmed that approximately 80% of all road traffic accidents are due to human factor."

"The use of DRLs would have a positive effects on specific accidents and would assist in emphasizing the presence of dark coloured cars on shady roads, rectify failure to see other vehicles in time thus reducing most daytime and intersection accidents, and enhancing conspicuity of on coming vehicles, as they are seen faster than vehicles without DRLs."

Furthermore Researchers estimate that one out of every 7 vehicles accidents happen simply because the driver "didn’t see" the other vehicle, and thus reflecting that the eye has imperfections.

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