See And Be Seen

We've all driven after dark and on wet, miserable days, encountering a vehicle up ahead with neither rear nor front lights, making it barely visible. Using Daytime Running Lights (DRL) reduces your accident risk by 7.3%, and you're 23.8% less likely to have a crash at dawn and dusk. The best part? It costs nothing extra to have your DRL on.

Many drivers remain unfamiliar with their car's various light settings. However, most modern cars provide a warning when a bulb goes out, much like a service reminder, when you start the engine. Some drivers wait until their NCT inspection to discover this!

Some cars have an automatic setting, so drivers rarely engage with different light settings until they encounter foggy mornings, wondering how to turn on their fog lights. That's when the light switch gets turned in all directions and pulled in and out to make them work. It's essential to learn the icons on your dashboard for the various light settings.

Since 2011, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) have been mandatory for all new cars and small delivery vans in the EU. Trucks and buses followed in August 2012. Vehicles produced before this regulation change aren't required to be retrofitted. This shift led to drivers relying on vehicle computers for their lights.

Your Driver's handbook provides all the necessary details. However, it's beneficial to sit in your car and become familiar with its features, from hazard lights to cruise control, and knowing when your fog lights are on.

In conclusion, using your Daytime Running Lights (DRL) significantly reduces your accident risk. Remember, it's not just for yourself; do it for others too.