Motorists may have to light up in daytime

MOTORISTS may soon be required to used dipped headlights during daylight hours under plans being considered by the Road Safety Authority.

The RSA is seeking submissions as part of a public consultation process on making Daytime Running Lights (DRL) mandatory.

The RSA claims research has shown that dipped headlights are an effective way to reduce the number of road collisions as it enhances the visibility of vehicles.

One major report by the British Transport Research Laboratory calculated that the use of mandatory DRL would reduce multi-party daytime collisions by 6%.

Some car models such as Volvo are already fitted with dedicated lights that automatically switch on when the engine is started.

An EU directive will make DRL mandatory for all new vehicles from 2011, while it is estimated that almost all vehicles will be equipped with DRL due to the natural replacement ofolder models by 2024. An RSA spokesperson said it was assessing the possibility of extending the scope of DRL to vehicles already in use on Irish roads.

Some organisations, including An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and the HSE, already advise their staff to use DRL at all times.

DRL is already compulsory on all roads all year round in eight other European countries, including Scandinavian countries, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, gardaí have issued a direct appeal to motorists to travel safely over the Christmas period.

Assistant Garda Commissioner for Traffic Kevin Ludlow said gardaí would continue with their Christmas road safety campaign over the next few weeks which will target in particular drink-driving, speeding and the non-wearing of safety belts.

A total of 234 people have been killed in road collisions so far in 2008 – 34 fewer than during the corresponding period last year.