Hello Michael
In 1996 the Queensland Department of Transport presented a proposal for the
mandatory introduction of DRL in Australia. The Queensland submission drew
on experiences in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
One of the concerns is the application of findings from other countries
(which may be located in higher latitudes and have extended periods of
twilight and different weather conditions) to the Australian environment.
As you probably are aware, I believe that Australian Design Rule 45/01
already makes provision for the optional use of DRLs.
The proposal was forwarded to the Australian Transport Agencies. A general
view was that there was a reluctance to support mandation based on the use
of overseas data applied to the Australian environment. However, if I
recall correctly, most indicated an interest in keeping abreast of research
in the use of DRLs.
The proposal was also discussed at the Technical Liaison Group (in Oct 1996)
referred to by Mr Bob Murphy in his email. (The Australian Technical
Liaison Group is made up of representatives from vehicle (car, truck, bus)
manufacturers and the jurisdiction vehicle standards regulators).
Mr James Hurnall at Queensland Transport Tel: 07 3253 4424 may be able to
help with background information on the Queensland submission.
Also, the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC)in Melbourne may
have done some studies or reviews of overseas research on behalf of
VicRoads. Contact Dr Gray Scott at VicRoads on 03 9854 2702.
I am aware of some photo sensitive devices that automatically switch on a
vehicles' lights in low light conditions.
Your project may provide an opportunity to update the findings regarding the
potential roads safety benefits (do DRLs increase the distance from which a
vehicle can be detected)and costs involved in DRLs, correlation between the
overseas studies and applicability to the wide range of Australian
conditions, the issue of voluntary use versus mandation, and to cover off
some of the vehicle (particulary heavy truck) technical issues such as those
raised by Mr Bob Murphy.
I would appreciate being kept informed of your project.
Regards
Barry Hendry
Senior Project Manager
National Road Transport Commission
PO Box 13105, Law Courts, Victoria, Australia 8010
(Level 5, 326 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000)
Telephone: 03 9321 8444 Facsimile: 03 9326 8964
Email: [log in to unmask]
Internet: www.nrtc.gov.au
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-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Paine [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, 6 September 2002 8:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Daytime running lights
I am undertaking a research project on the possible encouragement of
daytime running lights in Australia. I am interested in studies of
effectiveness, technology (eg dimmed high beam Vs low beam Vs dedicated
lamps), visual ergonomics, running costs and availability from OEM and
aftermarket suppliers.
There are numerous studies of the effectiveness of DRL in high latitude
countries. Peter Cairney from the Australian Road Research Board
published some research on the case for DRL in Australia during the
early 1990s and that is most useful. However I am interested in studies
that may have been carried out since then - particularly the potential
of "new" technology. For example GM in the USA apparently equip many of
their vehicles with dimmed high beam headlights for daytime use. Peter
Bergkvist from GM presented an excellent ESV paper on that initiative.
Any advice, links or contacts you could provide would be appreciated.
If you would prefer to email me directly please click on this link:
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Otherwise your reply will be circulated on RTT.
regards
Michael Paine
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