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The Association of Drivers against Daytime Running Lights - Introduction
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1963 Saab 96 850cc - no DRL | |||||||||
Views on DRL from:
Last updated 13 December 2010 © admin@dadrluk.orangehome.co.uk | |||||||||||
DaDRL are a group of experienced motorists, engineers and scientists supported by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who are campaigning for a reduction in headlight intensity. Our association aims to actively opposing the use of DRL. You've probably been annoyed by them - the glare, the distraction, and the energy waste. The escalating quest by manufacturers to fit bigger and brighter lights on the false pretext of safety has to be brought to a halt.
We oppose Daytime Running Lights because: ► There is no real evidence that DRL are a safety feature, particularly if all vehicles use DRL ► DRL promote road rage, safety should never be annoying or dangerous ► They are inefficient in both fuel cost and lamp replacement cost, both of which are passed on to the driver ► They cause visual fatigue and reduce a driver’s ability to perceive hazards – vulnerable road users are put at risk ► If a driver cannot see a car or a bus without it’s headlights on, how are they going to spot your child? ► A driver should not be allowed a licence if they cannot see other vehicles without headlights on in good daylight
If you feel the same way, we hope you will send a vote of support for our campaign. We will, in turn, pass along your feelings to the press, motor companies and governments. We have established high level contacts and we believe with pressure from all road users we believe they will adjust their policies accordingly.
Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers desire to share road space in safety with the maximum consideration and courtesy towards each other. Daytime headlights are a selfish concept based upon outmoded technology causing dangers to vulnerable road users. It is official EU/UK Transport policy to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. DRL were introduced by the Swedish in 1977 after they changed from driving on the left to the right hand side of the road in 1967. DRL have been used a marketing gimmick because "safety sells" - please see DRL Chronology for details on the origins and the current status.
The EU and USA governments are seeking to mandate DRL on the basis of research studies but the EU cannot produce data to prove any real world total reduction in accidents. Critiques by DADRL members and associates expose flawed methodology used in some studies. Our conclusions are that DRL are of no benefit - please see DRL Studies
Counter proposals to DRL have been placed before the EU Commissioners:
Interestingly, the Japanese Government have conducted research with real vehicles (as opposed to academic EU "studies"). Japan has a high population density, similar to the UK at over 780 persons per sq. mile (whereas Sweden’s is below 130 person per sq. mile). We fully support this stance by the Japanese Government, they recommend non glaring daytime lights with an intensity of 200cd (about the intensity of parking lights).
We have excellent support from prominent individuals, helping to create an influential body of opinion against the dangers and the environmental problems caused by current daytime running lights – please see Quotes
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