Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) for Pedestrian Protection

Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are installed on motor vehicles to increase the visual conspicuity of the vehicle to other motorists and pedestrians in their vicinity. Numerous studies have shown significant reductions in collision rates for vehicles equipped with DRLs, compared to vehicles without DRLs. A previous study performed in 2000 by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates for General Motors Corporation (GM) compared the collision rates of vehicles, both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian. The study reviewed field accident data from 12 US states for several GM, Saab, Volvo and other vehicles. Collision rates were compared for the Model Year prior to DRL introduction to the Model Year after introduction. The findings showed statistically significant reductions in several different collision modes. The most significant reduction involved vehicle-to-pedestrians. In 2002 this study was updated to include five additional States and more vehicles. The new study reviewed the effectiveness as before, and closely reviewed the effectiveness for protecting pedestrians, both children and adults. The study additionally reviewed the effectiveness as it relates to the method of DRL execution (e.g. Low Beam lamps, Turn signal, Dedicated). Among the findings of the new study is a noticeable positive effect of turn signal DRLs.