18 December 2009
RSA Launches Consultation on Daytime Running Lights
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today, Friday 18th December 2009, launched a public consultation process seeking the views of the public on a new EU road safety law which will require all new types of cars and small vans, to be fitted with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), from February 2011 onwards, and on other new types of road vehicles from August 2012 onwards.
In addition the RSA is also seeking views on the possibility of extending the scope of the EU Directive by making the use of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) mandatory for all vehicles already in use on Irish roads. In such a case drivers whose vehicles are not equipped with dedicated DRL, would be required to use their dipped head lights during hours of daylight.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) involves vehicles having forward facing lamps turned on during the hours of daylight in an effort to make vehicles more noticeable and increase road safety.
Research shows that DRL reduces the likelihood of multi-party daytime collisions, therefore helping to save lives and prevent serious injuries. Studies commissioned by the EC[1] have concluded that the mandatory use of DRL can achieve a reduction of between 5% and 15% of multi-party daytime collisions.
The RSA has set out its position and recommendations in a document called “DRL Consultation Paper” which may be viewed and/or downloaded from the RSA’s website www.rsa.ie
The consultative process commences on Monday 21st December 2009 and lasts until 29th January 2010.
For further information, please contact:
- Press Office: 096 25008
- Communications Manager, Brian Farrell: 086 388 1009
- Members of the public are invited to send their views on the development of a DRL policy by emailing drlconsultation@rsa.ie or writing to: Vehicle Standards, Road Safety Authority, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co Mayo. Please mark the envelope “DRL Consultation”.