Press information
Upgrading with light saves lives:
An upgrade of a special kind
Even though some drivers are reluctant to admit it, driving with the lights on during the day does save lives. Daytime running light (DRL) is already required by law in ten European countries, and in a further four countries it is mandatory in the winter months.
The reason why daylight running light has been made compulsory in some European countries is that it can help prevent accidents, particularly at junctions and crossroads. It can mean the difference between life and death for motorcyclists because when they are turning or overtaking they can see cars that have their headlights on much sooner than those with their headlights off. An additional factor in some countries, such as Germany, is that people prefer to buy cars with dark low-contrast paintwork, so the majority of cars are sometimes difficult to see even at the height of summer.
An analysis of 24 national DRL studies has shown that if all cars had their headlights on all the time almost two million accidents involving 5500 deaths and 155,000 injuries could be avoided each year throughout Europe.
As far as the technology is concerned, the development of Osram’s new Light@day family of lamps has meant operating headlights at all times is no longer a problem. With this innovative generation of lamps, car drivers can immediately make their own contribution to road safety. All they have to do is upgrade their cars. What’s important to remember is that despite being on day and night the Light@day family of lamps does not have to be replaced any more often than conventional lamps.
They are available in H1, H4 and H7 versions and as parking lights, taillights and number plate lights.
European countries in which DRL is compulsory:
Denmark, Slovenia, Finland (outside towns), Sweden, Iceland, the Czech Republic (winter season), Slovakia (winter season), Italy (motorways and other major roads), Norway, Poland (winter season), Latvia, Hungary (outside towns), Lithuania (winter season), Estonia.
Holiday-makers who do not comply with the local DRL regulations risk fines ranging from 22 euros (Slovenia) to 108 euros (Norway). DRL is officially recommended in Switzerland.
Upgrading with light saves lives:
An upgrade of a special kind
By driving with their headlights on during the day, drivers can make a significant contribution to road safety. Daytime running light is compulsory in some countries in Europe.
Press contact:
OSRAM
Christian Bölling
Tel: +49-89-6213-2597
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457
Email: c.boelling@osram.com