BWMS XTAL-DRL DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE

As 50 percent of all accidents at junctions during the day are caused by not seeing other road users in time. As a solution to the problem, experts recommend switching on the low-beam headlights during the day or the use of additional daytime driving lights. When the low-beam headlights are switched on by the light sensor or rain sensor, the daytime driving lights remain on but are dimmed to the brightness of side lights.

XTAL-DRLs are permitted but not required in Australia, though Australian automotive authorities are interested in introducing DRL requirements.

Daytime Running Rights (DRLs) may be fitted to the front of a vehicle to increase its visibility to other road users during the daytime. They should not be confused with driving or fog lamps, which although similar in appearance are not designed for use in clear daylight conditions and are more likely to cause glare or annoyance to other motorists.

Daytime running lights (DRLs) reduce the risk of collision during the daytime. RACV believes more vehicle manufacturers should consider fitting their vehicles with dedicated DRLs. RACV believes a limit in intensity of 1200 candela (a measure of the light's brightness) for DRLs will provide maximum visibility to other motorists in the daytime, while minimizing any glare effect. In the absence of vehicles fitted with dedicated DRLs, RACV encourages motorists to operate their headlights on low beam during the daytime, in order to reduce the risk of a collision.

Depending on prevailing regulations and vehicle equipment, the daytime running light function may be implemented by functionally-specific lamps, by operating the low-beam headlamps or fog lamps at full or reduced intensity, by operating the high-beam headlamps at reduced intensity, or by steady-burning operation of the front turn signals. Compared to any mode of headlamp operation to create the daytime running light, functionally-dedicated DRLs maximize the potential benefits in safety performance.