In the paper hereunder, one of the greatest US lighting experts, DVN Global Editor Daniel Stern, observes the good acceptance of DRL by the Canadians and the much more ambivalent reaction of US drivers. In the same time, even if we still lack enough experience to have unassailable data, the diverse European people seem to accept DRLs with no complaint. The main difference between ECE and SAE regulations is about the maximum DRL intensity. While ECE requires less than 1,200cd, SAE accepts up to 7,000cd. Maybe, even though the ECE DRL intensity range overlaps the SAE almost completely (SAE 500 – 7,000; ECE 400 – 1,200) there is room for discussion. We should try to form a working group to use all the available data in order to define what could be the maximum intensity in order to reduce glare without decreasing the visibility benefit of DRL.
Beside the possibilities of new styling appearance DRL are offering, their main benefit is safety, and we have to do our best to find a common regulation. Personally, I drive on roads with my bicycle, around 5,000km per year, which means more than 250 hours per year seeing opposite cars with and without DRL and every time, I realize the benefit of DRL when cars are very far. Conspicuity of cars with DRL is really much better.
We should work together to improve safety and try to harmonise ECE and SAE approaches. It is the interest of the lighting community as well as safety.
Sincerely yours
Hector Fratty
DVN General Editor