According to new research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, located in Melbourne, Australia, vehicles equipped with automatic daytime running lights (DRLs) are statistically proven to have a higher likelihood of avoiding visibility-based crashes when compared to those without. This research sheds light on the significance of implementing advanced safety measures in vehicles to ensure drivers can confidently navigate the roads and minimize the risks associated with driving.
In a new publication in the Journal of Safety Research, a study delved into the efficacy of Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) in mitigating the risk of involvement in a multi-car accident that occurs outside of the night hours, where low visibility plays a role. The researchers leveraged police data collected from several states in Australia, namely New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, to estimate the degree of risk reduction afforded by DRLs in such scenarios.
According to the study, DRLs were found to have a “statistically significant” impact on reducing the risk of accidents, with a reduction of 8.8 percent observed. Interestingly, the effect of DRLs was even more pronounced at higher speeds and during the transition periods of dawn and dusk compared to the brightness of daylight. It suggests that DRLs may play a critical role in mitigating risks during challenging lighting conditions.
The study utilized police-reported casualty crash data from 2010 to 2017, with an online publication date of February 8, 2023. The vehicle information was obtained separately, which included the VIN, enabling the researchers to discern the presence of Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) using spec data. Notably, cases where DRLs were offered as an option were excluded, ensuring a robust dataset for analysis.
During daylight conditions, the fitment of DRLs reduced crash risk by a modest 7.6 percent. However, during dawn or dusk, the reduction in crash risk was much higher, measuring up to a staggering 20.3 percent.
The study’s overall results were significant, indicating that DRL fitment was linked to a noteworthy decrease in crash risk, measuring 8.8 percent. Interestingly, the largest relative risk reduction associated with DRL fitment was observed during dawn or dusk in areas where posted speed limits exceeded 47 miles per hour (75 kilometers per hour), indicating a 23.8 percent reduction in crash risk.
The findings of the study are unequivocal: DRLs must be mandated on all new vehicles. Nevertheless, the authors acknowledged that the anticipated reduction in accidents might not be as significant as that achieved by cutting-edge vehicle safety technologies. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the timeliness of the study’s data, which dates back over half a decade.
It is worth noting that DRLs have already become a legal requirement in numerous regions worldwide, and a wealth of research conducted in both Europe and the US attests to their efficacy.
Source and Images: Journal of Safety Research, CarExpert, Motor1