Daylight running lights (again)

[Ron F]

There have been many posts re DRLs on this forum but I'm not aware of anyone who has purchased and installed the Automotive Electronics Accessories (AEA)(http://www.automotiveelectronicacces...aeapn480hd.htm ) module that supposedly gives you true DRLs. If anyone has purchased and installed this module would you please comment on the installation and how well it works.

I know that there are those who claim that there are no statistics that support DRLs as preventing accidents but I can't imagine that a large auto insurance company like USAA would give a discount for DRLs if there wasn't conclusive evidence that they are effective in preventing accidents. For all the reasons listed in the above link I don't want to just turn on my headlights all the time so please don't start a rehash of that argument. Thanks.

[SunDiego]

Here's the link, Automotive Electronic Accessories - Quality Accessories for Your Car

Wonder if these work...

[SmartDigger]

try this site also WebElectric Products - Sequential Turn Signals, 2005 2006 2007 2008 Sequential Taillights, Sequential Tail Lights, Dynamite Stick Sequential, Pulsing Brake Light Pulser Flasher, One Touch Convertible Top, Dynamite Stick, One Touch Turn Signals, Dayti

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Ron F

... [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]I know that there are those who claim that there are no statistics that support DRLs as preventing accidents but I can't imagine that a large auto insurance company like USAA would give a discount for DRLs if there wasn't conclusive evidence that they are effective in preventing accidents. ...

For what ever reason, USAA included the DRL discount in my policy. It isn't much ($1.47/6mos), but it is in recognition of something. I have an AEA kit on order, and I owe it to USAA to get it rigged ASAP.

The Administrative Code of VA has some things to say about DRLs:
"Note: DRLs may or may not be wired into the tail light circuit."
"Inspect for and reject if:
a. Any lamp, except headlamps, used as DRLs if not an approved type (SAE-Y2) and is not marked "DRL";
b. Fog lamps or parking lamps are used as DRLs;
d. A DRL is mounted higher than 34 inches measured to the center of the lamp;
e. The color is other than white to amber;
f. DRLs do not deactivate when the headlamps are in any "on" position."

[SmartWillie]

My DRL modification is a 3/4 inch circle of black vinyl tape over the center of the automatic headlight sensor. I keep the lights on auto and they come on in bright sunlight. The auto rain sensor still works as it should. If I really don't want them for some reason, I just turn the headlights to off. Works for me. Doesn't give the buck and a half insurance discount, but who cares. It does make me a little more visible.

So if you have the automatic headlight option, just stick a round circle of tape over the headlight sensor. Can be removed if needed. The wipers don't affect it at all.

Willie

[Old smart]

Here’s some study material:

Q&As: Daytime running lights

Press Releases | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) | U.S. Department of Transportation

As noted by IIHS, no U.S. state presently requires DRLs. I would suspect that if NHTSA and/or any state where smarts are marketed makes a requirement for DRLs, all smarts will quickly have them, perhaps just by M-B allowing dealers access to the computer to effect a tweak.

[jwight]

Here's another source for DRL kits: Daytime Running Light Modules Conversion Kit Custom Turn Signals Head Lamps DRLs

You can check out a couple of their install manuals also.

[WilyB]

Originally Posted by Old smart

For what ever reason, USAA included the DRL discount in my policy. It isn't much ($1.47/6mos), but it is in recognition of something. I have an AEA kit on order, and I owe it to USAA to get it rigged ASAP.

At this rate, you have to keep your smart for 13 years before getting some of your money back!

($38.50 / $2.94 = 13)

[jwight]

From Old smart's list above: Fog lamps or parking lamps are used as DRLs

Just curious how the GM cars using their amber turn signals/parking lights as running lights pass in Virginia. Thanks.

[bjordan]

My pet peeve: DRLs. Please don't do it. I asked USAA in writing for the substantiation for the DRL discount. No response. As a statistician, I've reviewed or have read expert analyses of all DRL studies I have found including the Scandinavian ones. They are all seriously flawed. (The most recent, funded by GM, examined only VW, GM, Volvo cars in the years before and after implementation of DRLS. They found the relation they wanted, but never considered the year-to-year decline in accidents overall. Never considered non-DRL cars. Interestingly, one of the conclusions is that DRLs prevent accidents at night!) And there is now ample evidence that DRLs are strongly correlated with collisions with motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. As I've said in other threads, Austria and France ban them; Great Britain rejected mandatory DRLs because of faulty studies supporting their benefit and a failure to consider their effect on vulnerable parties.
As a cyclist, please consider abandoning DRLS. Please?
Bill