Daytime running lights (or DRLs) are a relatively new feature on most cars. DRLs are lights located on the front of a vehicle that remain on whenever the engine is running. Unlike headlights, daytime running lights are fairly dim and don't illuminate the road ahead.
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The purpose of daytime running lights is to increase the visibility of your car, so that other drivers can see you on the road. At night, your headlights and tail lights are illuminated, which means that it's easy for other drivers to spot you. However, during the day, most drivers turn their lights off and it's not as easy to spot other vehicles quickly.
Do daytime running lights help?
Introduced in the s as a safety measure, DRLs have increased in popularity ever since. However, their popularity and usefulness has been debated for decades.
Daytime running lights have become most popular in countries located further north, where there is less light (especially in winter). It makes sense, then, that countries such as Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Canada were among the first to require DRLs on all vehicles. In these countries, multiple studies conducted since the s have shown that the addition of daytime running lights does reduce accidents.
In other countries, however, DRLs are not as popular. For a time, several US states banned the use of these lights entirely. In the s, the car manufacturer GM pushed to include DRLs on all vehicles in the US. This was met with resistance, but eventually government regulations allowed cars with daytime running lights to be driven on US roads.
There were similar mixed reactions in the UK when daytime running lights became popular in other European countries. From , all new vehicles are required to have daytime running lights.
Safety concerns
Although daytime running lights are intended to make the road safer for all drivers and pedestrians, there are many critics who argue that they do the opposite.
The biggest concern for many drivers is the brightness of DRLs. Even though brightness regulations are put in place by each country, some groups have argued that these standards are too high, and that some DRLs are allowed to be as bright as headlights.
These bright lights could potentially blind other drivers. In theory, daytime running lights should be dim in comparison to your headlights, but this isn't always the case. Additionally, DRLs on larger vehicles are more likely to be placed higher up, meaning that they could shine directly into the eyes of other drivers.
Another argument commonly made is to do with geographical location. A lot of DRL critics live in the US or the UK, and they think that they're less necessary in countries further north. In the US/UK, there's more sunlight in the day, which obviously makes DRLs less useful. Considering the potential safety hazards caused by daytime running lights, certain groups have lobbied to ban them.
In reality, there is some truth in the idea that DRLs aren't needed in certain locations. Some studies have shown that daytime running lights are three times more effective at reducing accidents in Nordic countries that in the US, for example. Still, there is no evidence to suggest that daytime running lights are harmful in any way.
Safety meets style
Now that we've established that daytime running lights aren't going to make you any less safe, let's talk style. DRLs are a great way to add that stylish edge to your vehicle.
There are lots of options out there for you to choose from, but here at PowerBulbs HQ, we're a big fan of LED DRLs. They give your car a sleek look, plus use less power than traditional lights.
If your car doesn't have DRLs fitted as standard, you could add them to your vehicle yourself with the help of a DRL kit. The process of installing a DRL kit is a little trickier than replacing a headlight bulb, so it's a good idea to read through the instructions carefully or speak to an auto-electrician.
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About the Author
John Conboy is the founder of PowerBulbs.com, a UK based automotive lighting specialist, which ships bulbs worldwide. John has 20+ years experience in the industry and in that time has become an approved partner of Philips and OSRAM.
A common misconception is that Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) serve only as decorative additions to modern vehicles. However, this perception needs to acknowledge the crucial role that DRLs play in enhancing road safety. DRLs are designed to improve visibility while driving during daylight hours, offering numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. These benefits include reducing the likelihood of traffic accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety. In this guide, we will delve into the many advantages of DRLs, debunk some myths, and reiterate their importance as vital safety features for drivers today.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF DRL
Although it may seem complex, understanding the technicalities of Daytime Running Lamps can reveal the impressive engineering behind their functionality and importance. This section aims to demystify the core technical elements of DRLs, including industry standards, the various types available, and their operational processes.
WHAT MAKES A DRL A DRL? UNDERSTANDING THE SPECIFICATIONS
DRLs are not your typical headlights. They are made to comply with strict standards like the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. The brightness of DRLs is usually lower than regular headlights, ranging from 400 to 800 candelas, depending on their design and regulations.
TYPES OF DRL
There are different types of DRLs that aim to enhance visibility and safety. LED DRLs are the most energy-efficient and are becoming the norm for modern vehicles. They provide high luminosity, lower power usage, and longer lifespan. Halogen DRLs use halogen bulbs, which are less efficient than LED but more affordable. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) DRLs are less common but present in some premium models, balancing brightness and power consumption.
HOW DRLS WORK
A DRL system consists of a light source, a control module, and a network of wiring that connects to the vehicle's electrical system. When the engine starts, the control module turns on the DRLs, bypassing the manual headlight switch that controls regular headlights and taillights. As we will see next, some newer systems use advanced algorithms to sync with the vehicle's internal clock or ambient light sensors, which optimizes DRL operations.
SMART TECHNOLOGY: ADAPTIVE AND INTELLIGENT DRL
Recently, there has been an emergence of adaptive DRL systems that utilize sensors and microcontrollers to regulate the intensity of light based on external conditions. On a cloudy day, the system may increase the brightness to compensate for the absence of natural light. Additionally, some systems can modify the DRL colour depending on the driving environment to improve visibility and safety for other vehicles.
GLOBAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY CONTROL
Ensuring high quality in DRL manufacturing is of utmost importance. Adherence to internationally recognized standards, such as ISO for functional safety and IEC for lamp performance, guarantees that DRLs fulfill the rigorous requirements of worldwide markets. These standards cover various aspects, including light intensity, beam pattern, and resilience against environmental factors like shock and vibration.
SAFETY BENEFITS: THE POWER OF BEING SEEN
Safety experts and researchers agree that Daytime Running Lamps enhance road safety. This isn't just a statement but is backed by numerous studies and real-world observations. DRLs play a significant role in reducing accidents and saving lives.
The primary function of DRLs is to increase vehicle visibility during daytime driving. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrates that cars with DRLs are more likely to be seen by other drivers, reducing the risk of "looked-but-failed-to-see" accidents. These are incidents where drivers look directly at a vehicle but don't actually "see" it, often leading to dangerous collisions. DRLs act as an attention-grabbing feature, cutting through the visual clutter and drawing the eye to your vehicle.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Let's explore how DRLs can be a wise financial decision for drivers and the economy.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
Many people believe that Daytime Running Lights use a lot of fuel in your car, but this is not true. Modern DRLs that use LED technology are designed to be highly energy-efficient, using as little as 5 to 6 watts of electricity. This means that their energy consumption has a minimal impact on your car's fuel efficiency. Therefore, you can enjoy the safety benefits of DRLs without the worry of frequent stops at the gas station.
REDUCING INSURANCE PREMIUMS: A SMART WAY TO SAVE
Insurance companies appreciate anything that reduces the likelihood of accidents, and Daytime Running Lights are a perfect example. Various studies have shown that vehicles with DRLs are less likely to be involved in traffic accidents. Therefore, some insurers discount premiums for vehicles equipped with DRLs, resulting in significant yearly savings for policyholders.
LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS
LEDs are modern vehicles' most popular Daytime Running Lights type. These lights have a long lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus lowering your vehicle maintenance costs in the long run. Additionally, DRLs consume less energy, reducing the strain on your car's electrical system. This, in turn, can prolong your vehicle's battery and alternator lifespan.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
In today's climate-conscious world, the environmental impact of any technology is a subject of intense scrutiny. As more people turn their focus toward reducing their carbon footprint, it's important to examine how Daytime Running Lamps fit into the larger sustainability picture. As it turns out, modern DRL technology has made strides in becoming more eco-friendly, thus contributing to road safety and environmental wellness.
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