Big push for mandatory daytime running lights

Legislation making daytime running lights (DRL) compulsory for all vehicles over 3500kg is imperative to ensure our roads are safer. This is according to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) which has again called on government to make daytime running lights law. Gary Ronald, public affairs manager of AASA, told FTW that in its own fleet the organisation had already seen the benefit of driving with lights on. “The benefits of DRL to road safety are well-proven world wide,” he said. The organisation has been calling for DRL to be implemented for heavy vehicles and taxis since 2006. Gavin Kelly, technical and operations manager of the Road Freight Association, said they supported all initiatives aimed at making the roads safer for all. “In saying this, the RFA must note that any move to improve safety should not be done regardless of the cost involved for its members. Motorcycles already have to drive with their lights on. What would happen to their high visibility in the new haze of other lights – there are many motorists already who drive with their lights on, but on brights.” According to Kelly several fleets in South Africa already operate with their lights on at all times especially those transporting dangerous goods or abnormal loads. “There are arguments for and against DRL. It is not an easy yes or no answer on whether our roads will be safer using DRL. There are mixed advantages and disadvantages.” For the AASA running daytime lights will also help to identify unroadwothy trucks, something they say is a major concern on our roads.