Headlights Make For Safer Driving, Even During The Day

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- If asked to describe a typical car accident, many people would instantly think of nighttime. But statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that less traffic accidents occur at nighttime than daytime, when there are more vehicles on the road and more pedestrians walking around.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120918/NY75667 )

Such statistics highlight the emphasis drivers must place on ensuring their vehicle is as safe during the daytime as it is at night. One of the most effective and easiest ways to make a vehicle safer during the day is to install daytime running lights, or DRLs, on your vehicle. Studies have shown that DRLs can reduce multiple-vehicle daytime crashes by as much as 11 percent. Such lights have proven especially effective at preventing daytime head-on and front-corner collisions by making it easier for motorists to see a vehicle, particularly as it approaches from far away.

As more and more motorists recognize the value of DRLs, the technology associated with daytime running lights continues to address previous deficiencies. Whereas most daytime running lights are still based off the car's headlamps, ultimately causing the lamps to wear out too soon, Philips LED Daylight DRLs are based on high-powered LUXEON® Rebel LEDs, which project a powerful, bright white light and boast a wider beam than the average LED DRL, making a vehicle more visible to fellow motorists as well as pedestrians. In addition, the Daylight DRLs allow drivers to switch from using their standard headlights to an LED light source during the daytime, extending the life of the headlights while drawing less power from the vehicle.

In addition to installing daytime running lights, drivers can take additional steps to improve their visibility during the daytime hours.

• Inspect signal lamps. Check all turn and stop lamps to make sure the bulbs are working and the lamps are not cracked.
• Routinely inspect and replace worn out wiper blades. Wiper blades need to be changed every season or on 3 month intervals. The rubber blade gets brittle and does not work well, robbing drivers of needed visibility when it rains or snows.
• Top off windshield washer fluid. Make topping off your windshield washer fluid part of your routine vehicle maintenance so you know you will have it when you need to clean the windshield.
• Clean interior glass and mirrors. Clean the vehicle's interior glass to remove any film buildup that can reduce vision and create a hazy reflection from the sun. For smokers that film can be even thicker.
• Check your mirrors. Keep rearview and side mirrors clean and adjust them properly so you can see all of the views around the back of your car, especially the blind spots along both sides of the vehicle. This will help you to change lanes and make turns with more confidence and less stress.

More information from Philips is available at www.daylight-led.com.

SOURCE Philips