For You DRL Non Believers
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From: Toronto, Canada
For You DRL Non Believers
Research shows effectiveness of daytime running lamps
Detroit, Michigan - New findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show daytime running lamps significantly reduce certain kinds of daytime crashes. The recently released NHTSA study, which used federal crash data, shows that from 1995 to 2001:
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction/angle daytime nonfatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* DRLs reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent.
"This new study reaffirms the benefits of daytime running lights and the decisions by General Motors and some other automakers to make them standard equipment," said Brian O'Neill, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety." These lights are a simple, inexpensive and effective safety feature, and I hope they will be on all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. soon."
Daytime running lights are mandatory on all new vehicles sold in Canada.
Detroit, Michigan - New findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show daytime running lamps significantly reduce certain kinds of daytime crashes. The recently released NHTSA study, which used federal crash data, shows that from 1995 to 2001:
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction/angle daytime nonfatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* DRLs reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent.
"This new study reaffirms the benefits of daytime running lights and the decisions by General Motors and some other automakers to make them standard equipment," said Brian O'Neill, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety." These lights are a simple, inexpensive and effective safety feature, and I hope they will be on all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. soon."
Daytime running lights are mandatory on all new vehicles sold in Canada.
Suzuka Master
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Originally Posted by Research?
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction/angle daytime nonfatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* DRLs reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent.
* DRLs reduced opposite-direction/angle daytime nonfatal crashes by 5 percent
* DRLs reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* DRLs reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent.
I could equally say:
* More roads with jersey block barriers between the opposing directions reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* Same thing
* Better bike lane/pedestrian markings reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* Better motorcycle safety courses reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent
And who could say I was wrong?
All we know is that some kinds of accidents happen less often now. Trying to say that it's 100% due to DRLs is
Senior Moderator
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From: Toronto
DRL's help, of course. Its common sense. Do they make a diff at 1PM? No, you cant even see them. But at dusk, dawn, or overcast/rainy conditions they make a very significant difference in visibility of other cars. I don't see how this can be disputed
Suzuka Master
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If it's raining, you should have headlights on. Some states have laws like this (Virginia).
The worst part about DRLs is the dumb f*cks who thinks they're "enough" for all conditions, or who is fooled into thinking that their "lights" are on at night, when they're really not.
The worst part about DRLs is the dumb f*cks who thinks they're "enough" for all conditions, or who is fooled into thinking that their "lights" are on at night, when they're really not.
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DRLs are fine in my book. I think that if it doesn't hurt anyone and the visibility of the vehicle is increased (especially to/for those incompetent drivers), then why not. 
Instructor
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From: CA
Originally Posted by fdl
DRL's help, of course. Its common sense. Do they make a diff at 1PM? No, you cant even see them. But at dusk, dawn, or overcast/rainy conditions they make a very significant difference in visibility of other cars. I don't see how this can be disputed
Instructor
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From: CA
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
DRLs are fine in my book. I think that if it doesn't hurt anyone and the visibility of the vehicle is increased (especially to/for those incompetent drivers), then why not.
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From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
And how do they know that DRLs, specifically, caused these improvements? Of all the variables that can change over time, why does each of these statistics have to point to DRLs?
I could equally say:
* More roads with jersey block barriers between the opposing directions reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* Same thing
* Better bike lane/pedestrian markings reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* Better motorcycle safety courses reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent
And who could say I was wrong?
All we know is that some kinds of accidents happen less often now. Trying to say that it's 100% due to DRLs is
I could equally say:
* More roads with jersey block barriers between the opposing directions reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* Same thing
* Better bike lane/pedestrian markings reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* Better motorcycle safety courses reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent
And who could say I was wrong?
All we know is that some kinds of accidents happen less often now. Trying to say that it's 100% due to DRLs is
In addition, since 1995 "FATAL" crashes are reduced. Well, airbags, extra safety features, heavier frames + crash zone should reduce FATAL crashes as well. The data is not specific enough.
The statement is flawed and biased.
And DRLs during the daytime on a higway make cars harder to see. Sorry.
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by SacQuacker
Why not wire headlights to an outside light sensor then?
Originally Posted by SacQuacker
At what point would your tolerance end? It was either Volvo or Mercedes, for example, that once determined that the safest color to paint a car is "engineer orange". Would you support a law that all vehicles be painted dayglo colors?
Boy Genius
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From: Secret Laboratory
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
See, dayglo colors offend my sensibilities, and thus have crossed that threshold. DRLs seem pretty harmless to me, as long as they are coupled to automatic headlights.
Instructor
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From: CA
Originally Posted by lokman
.............. Still, up here in Canada where DRLs have been around for years, I rarely see anyone who doesn't turn on their full headlights at night.
Boy Genius
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From: Secret Laboratory
Originally Posted by SacQuacker
Yes, but it seems you Canadians can be counted on to do or not do alot of things with which we in the States have issues.
Originally Posted by lokman
As fdl said, DRLs are not hooked into the interior lighting, so most of the time it shouldn't be a problem to turn on the full lights. This might be a problem for cars with digital dashes, but usually that's not the entire dash anyways. Besides, the difference between HIDs and DRLs is quite significant, so it's not a big deal for the TSX, but it might be for non-HID equipped cars out there. Still, up here in Canada where DRLs have been around for years, I rarely see anyone who doesn't turn on their full headlights at night.
This post confuses me...My point was that since people are complete and total idiots and would forget to turn on their headlights with the DRLs running, if the DRLs are used in conjunction with automatic headlights that turn on when it gets dark, then there should be no problems.
I'm not quite sure what you were saying in your post?
Boy Genius
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From: Secret Laboratory
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
This post confuses me...My point was that since people are complete and total idiots and would forget to turn on their headlights with the DRLs running, if the DRLs are used in conjunction with automatic headlights that turn on when it gets dark, then there should be no problems.
I'm not quite sure what you were saying in your post?
If a driver doesn't have HIDs, then you might find more people with DRLs who don't turn on their headlights, but since your interior gauges would not light up without turning on the headlights anyways, this mitigates the issue (assuming everyone realizes that their dash should light up). The only time when this could be a problem is when the dash is digital or backlit.
Regardless, I think most people would eventually get into the habit of turning on their headlights properly even with DRLs.
Hope that's clearer.
Suzuka Master
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Originally Posted by lokman
.....most people would probably turn on their headlights even if they had DRLs installed since the HIDs are so much brighter and the driver would probably notice that he hadn't turned them on.
If a driver doesn't have HIDs, then you might find more people with DRLs who don't turn on their headlights, but since your interior gauges would not light up without turning on the headlights anyways, this mitigates the issue (assuming everyone realizes that their dash should light up). The only time when this could be a problem is when the dash is digital or backlit.
Regardless, I think most people would eventually get into the habit of turning on their headlights properly even with DRLs....
If a driver doesn't have HIDs, then you might find more people with DRLs who don't turn on their headlights, but since your interior gauges would not light up without turning on the headlights anyways, this mitigates the issue (assuming everyone realizes that their dash should light up). The only time when this could be a problem is when the dash is digital or backlit.
Regardless, I think most people would eventually get into the habit of turning on their headlights properly even with DRLs....
Old fart
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From: Rockford, IL
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
My point was that since people are complete and total idiots and would forget to turn on their headlights with the DRLs running, if the DRLs are used in conjunction with automatic headlights that turn on when it gets dark, then there should be no problems.
my old car had yellow DRLs and I could spot it from a waaay farther distance...
Instructor
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From: CA
I'm not sure how the NHTSA reached it's conclusions regarding DRL's. How is it that people are crashing head on in the daytime? Wreckless passing on two lane highways? To me that indicates a depth perception problem or time and distance miscalculation on the part of both drivers. No safety device makes up for a deficit between the ears.
Hey, Canucks are (North) 'mericans too!
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From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by lokman
That's the first time I've heard that. Source, please?
The US Air Force (Army Air Corps back then) conducted a study by fitting lights on the leading edges of airplanes...as camoflage. It worked, but was deemed impractical. Same principle, except now it's on roads.
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by Lung Fu Mo Shi
The source would be me. I travel down the highway and people have their headlights on during a bright and sunny day. Thus you can't separate the cars because you can't see their outline. It makes it harder to see.
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From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by fdl
DRL's are NOT the same as headlights. They are much dimmer and don't interfere with the outline of the car.
Instructor
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From: CA
Originally Posted by Lung Fu Mo Shi
I know that. But you realize I'm in the states. People think "DRL's are safer, my car doesn't have them, I'll just turn on the headlights".
...and the people with DRL's think "DRL's are stupid looking, I'll just cut these wires..."
Obnoxious Philadelphian
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From: South Jersey
Originally Posted by Lung Fu Mo Shi
I know that. But you realize I'm in the states. People think "DRL's are safer, my car doesn't have them, I'll just turn on the headlights".
Bye TSX, hello domestic?
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From: NOVA
Originally Posted by SacQuacker
I'm not sure how the NHTSA reached it's conclusions regarding DRL's. How is it that people are crashing head on in the daytime? Wreckless passing on two lane highways? To me that indicates a depth perception problem or time and distance miscalculation on the part of both drivers. No safety device makes up for a deficit between the ears.
opposite direction crashes reduced? how about teach people not to drift into the other $!#%@#! lane.
Obnoxious Philadelphian
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From: South Jersey
Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
And how do they know that DRLs, specifically, caused these improvements? Of all the variables that can change over time, why does each of these statistics have to point to DRLs?
I could equally say:
* More roads with jersey block barriers between the opposing directions reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* Same thing
* Better bike lane/pedestrian markings reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* Better motorcycle safety courses reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent
And who could say I was wrong?
All we know is that some kinds of accidents happen less often now. Trying to say that it's 100% due to DRLs is
I could equally say:
* More roads with jersey block barriers between the opposing directions reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5 percent
* Same thing
* Better bike lane/pedestrian markings reduced non-motorist, pedestrian and cyclist daytime fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by 12 percent
* Better motorcycle safety courses reduced daytime opposite-direction fatal crashes of a passenger vehicle with a motorcycle by 23 percent
And who could say I was wrong?
All we know is that some kinds of accidents happen less often now. Trying to say that it's 100% due to DRLs is
Suzuka Master
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Originally Posted by jcg878
If the reduction in these types of accidents is only in cars with DRLs, that would strengthen the argument.
Do people really need DRSs to not hit an oncoming car?
Obnoxious Philadelphian
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From: South Jersey
Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
My reasoning works if you just look at cars with DRLs, too.
I know. It loses strength when you look at cars with DRLs compared to those without.
Moderator Alumnus
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From: Windsor-Quebec corridor
All of you who try and find excuses for not believing in DRLs are 
I do enough driving, and see enough of a difference when I cross a pre 1990 car not equipped with DRLs to know the DRLs are a very safe enhancement.
I just cannot believe any of you would fight against something that has nothing but benefits, especially about safety! and
I do enough driving, and see enough of a difference when I cross a pre 1990 car not equipped with DRLs to know the DRLs are a very safe enhancement.
I just cannot believe any of you would fight against something that has nothing but benefits, especially about safety!
and
bleh...
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From: Midwest
I used to have a Canadian model 1997 Toyota Camry LE w/ DRLs and I would sometimes have some fun with the DRLs and drive at night with those on without turning on the rest of the lights!
Other than that, I would like to see more manufacturers install DRLs on their cars in the US. I wish my cars had DRLs especially when I drive across the country on the highway....they would be more useful. I would like to be more visible on the road to others!
Other than that, I would like to see more manufacturers install DRLs on their cars in the US. I wish my cars had DRLs especially when I drive across the country on the highway....they would be more useful. I would like to be more visible on the road to others!
Race Director
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From: Orlando, Fl
Originally Posted by sauceman
All of you who try and find excuses for not believing in DRLs are
I do enough driving, and see enough of a difference when I cross a pre 1990 car not equipped with DRLs to know the DRLs are a very safe enhancement.
I just cannot believe any of you would fight against something that has nothing but benefits, especially about safety! and
I do enough driving, and see enough of a difference when I cross a pre 1990 car not equipped with DRLs to know the DRLs are a very safe enhancement.
I just cannot believe any of you would fight against something that has nothing but benefits, especially about safety!
and 