The effects of using passing beams during the day in real traffic conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the implications for road safety of the use of passing beams during the day. The genesis of the problem and conditions that have led to the use of passing beams by vehicles during the day is presented first. Then, the photometric requirements for passing beams are evaluated in terms of their signal role, comparing them with the requirements for daytime running lights. The main part of this paper presents a report on field tests carried out under real road conditions. The tests were done in order to measure the impact of using passing beams by day on the distance at which the oncoming vehicle could be detected. Also, the correctness of the estimation of relative positions of oncoming vehicles at the same or different distances was examined with different combinations of passing beams on or off in the tested vehicles. The research confirms the effectiveness of using passing beams during the day and the need to harmonize the obligation to use passing beams.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Cairney P, Styles T. Review of the Literature on Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Australian Road Research Board Report 218, Port Melbourne, Australia: ARRB, 2003.

Allen

Clark

. Automobile running lights – a research report. American Journal of Optometry 1964; 41: 293–315.

Hagenzieker M. Visual Perception and Daytime Running Lights (DRL): A Literature Survey. SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research, Report No. R-90-43. The Hague, The Netherlands: SWOV, 1990.

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Lighting Handbook, Reference and Application, New York: IESNA, 1993.

Kirkpatrick M, Marshall R. Evaluation of Glare from Daytime Running Lights. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT HS 807 502. Washington DC: NHTSA, 1989.

Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage. Automobile Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Purpose, Effects and Recommendations. Vienna: CIE, 1990.

Elvik

. Cost–benefit analysis of road safety measures: applicability and controversies. Accident Analysis and Prevention 2001; 33: 9–17.

Helmers G. Daytime Running Lights – A Potent Traffic Safety Measure? Swedish Road and Traffic Research Institute Report 333A. Linkoping, Sweden: VTI, 1988.

Helmers G, Nilsson G. Regarding Criticism about Evaluations of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Based on Finnish and Swedish Accident Statistics. Swedish Road and Traffic Research Institute Note T49. Linkoping, Sweden: VTI, 1988.

10.

Engel

. Visual conspicuity, visual search and fixation tendencies of the eye. Vision Research 1977; 17: 95–108.

11.

Conners MM. Conspicuity of Target Lights: The Influence of Color. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Technical Note NASA TN-D7960. Washington DC: NASA, 1975.

12.

Jenkins SE. An investigation into the nature and physical determinants of visual conspicuity. PhD Thesis, University of Melbourne, 1979.

13.

Gerathewoohl

. Conspicuity of flashing light signals of different frequency and duration. Journal of Experimental Psychology 1954; 48: 247–254.

14.

Henderson RL, Ziedman K, Burger WJ, Cavey KE. Motor Vehicle Conspicuity. Society of Automotive Engineers, Paper no 880566, Warrendale, PA: SAE, 1983.

15.

Padmos P. Visual Aspects of Daytime Running Lights. TNO Institute for Perception Report IZF. Soesterberg, The Netherlands: TNO, 1988.

16.

Sivak M, Flannagan MJ. Human factors considerations in the design of the vehicle headlamps and signal lamps. In Peacock JB and Karwowski W, editors. Automotive Ergonomics. London: Taylor and Francis, 1993: pp. 185–204.

17.

Elvik R. Can a Road Safety Measure be Both Effective and Ineffective at the Same Time? A Game-theoretic Model of Effects of Daytime Running Lights. Institute of Transport Economics NO 0349 Oslo, Norway: ITE, 2013.

18.

Cavallo

Pinto

. Are car daytime running lights detrimental to motorcycle conspicuity? Accident Analysis and Prevention 2012; 49: 78–85.

19.

Koornstra M, Bijlevelda F, Hagenziekera M. The Safety Effects of Daytime Running Lights. Leidschendam, The Netherlands: SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research, 1994.

20.

Dahlstedt S, Rumar K. Vehicle colour and front conspicuity in some simulated rural traffic situations. Department of Psychology, University of Uppsala, Sweden, 1973.

21.

Hörberg

Rumar

. The effect on running lights on vehicle conspicuity in daylight and twilight. Ergonomics 1979; 22: 165–173.

22.

Regulation No. 87 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of daytime running lamps for power-driven vehicles, November 2009.

23.

Regulation No. 20 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicle headlamps emitting an asymmetrical passing beam or a driving beam or both and equipped with halogen filament lamps (H4 lamps), September 2001.