Daytime running lights (DRL) : a master plan for evaluation research : (shortened version)

One way to improve the visibility of motor vehicles is the use of daytime running lights (DRL). The Dutch Institute for Road Safety Research (SWOV) has estimated a reduction of 5% in the total number of injury accidents. An extensive study is required because the introduction of regulation incurs considerate costs and the effect of the regulation cannot be assessed accurately enough in advance. The study is also intended to give concrete support for the design and introduction of regulation. The study has been divided into eight projects. The efficacy of the regulation must be proven by the number of accidents (A). This depends on actual use of DRL (B), which is dependent on the public acceptande of DRL (C). These data are required to establish with kindsight how DRL works and is effectiveness (D). E is a pilot study (Demonstration project Dordrecht) and will provide informationfor A, B, C and G (development of technical aids). F is an international gudance and H a cost-benefit analysis and reporting. A final report will be compiled on the results of each project.