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Originally Posted by blondie
Daytime running lights do indeed increase safety. That's why Canada requires them. ...
Sandy
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DRLs do increase safety under certain conditions. The studies that led to the adoption of DRLs in Canada and at least one European country (don't recall which off-hand) were conducted in far northern latitudes where there are extended periods of twilight and many two-lane roads. They found that, during these extended periods of twilight, many drivers felt it was light enough to not need lights. Indeed they felt they could see quite well. But, oncoming cars at a distance were often not seen until they were dangerously close. DRLs were designed to solve that problem.
In the US, except for Alaska, we don't have as pronounced a twilight period, so the benefit is significantly reduced. They are also of virtually no value on divided highways.