AU Daytime lights reduce accidents From page 22 Contrast also declines as daylight wanes. That’s why most provinces already require headlights to be turned on for half an hour after sunrise and a half- hour before sunset. But there are many days that are rainy or over- cast when low visibility dictates the continuous use of lights. White notes that DRLs will en- sure that there is always a positive contrast between an approaching vehicle and its changing background, no matter what the weather and lighting conditions may be. Human error, such as forgetting to turn the headlights on, will be corrected. “*DRLs will also be a boon for pedestrians, cyclists and animals,”” he says, “alerting them sooner to oncoming vehicles. It's significant, I think, that since DRLs were in- troduced in Sweden 1!1 years ago, accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists have decreased more than accidents between vehicles,”” Publicity campaigns in various Parts of Canada in recent years have promoted the merits of daytime lights use. About one in five drivers is already following this practice on a voluntary basis. So far, however, the Yukon is the only jurisdiction to actually Pass a law (in July 1987) that compels all cars to have their lights on at all times when being driven. The provinces play a key role in road safety policy, complementing the federal government's efforts. Ottawa's responsibility is confined mainly to the design and perfor- mance of new vehicles, while the Provinces have complete control over the condition and use of vehi- cles already sold and in use. What this means, in terms of daytime running lights, is that it will take at least 10 years before all vehicles on Canadian roads will be DRL-equipped, if the sole reliance is on new car installation. The benefits of DRLs, however, could be achieved much sooner if the provinces follow the Yukon’s example and enact daytime lights use laws, and if motorists with pre-1990-model cars buy and in- stall their own DRL systems. “*The use of low-beam headlights during the day, whether voluntary or compulsory, is seen as an important adjunct to the new federal DRL regulation,’ says White. “But for several reasons, conventional headlights are not as effective as DRLs. For one thing, they are dependent on the memory and behavior of individual drivers, who may forget to turn them on, or who may leave them on after parking and drain the battery.” Continual use of headlights also entails use of the parking, tail and instrument panel lights, increasing fuel consumption and bulb replacement costs by more than $40 a year, compared with the few dollars DRLs will cost. Headlights can also produce a bothersome glare effect because they are sharply focused, whereas DRLs are omnidirectional and have much less intensity. DRLs will also preclude the daytime use of the high beams (either inten- tionally or by mistake), which in- crease the glare to potentially dan- gerous levels. For all these reasons, the crash avoidance officials at Transport Canada are hoping that most car owners who aren't planning to buy a 1990 model will buy suitable DRL kits to retrofit their older vehicles. “It will be the best and cheapest investment in driving safety that any motorist can make today,”’ says White. “It will prove cheaper in the long run — as well as more reliable — than leaving the headlights on during daytime driv- ing.”” Such kits are now available ai most automotive supply outlets for about $40 to $50. But buyers should make sure that any DRL kit they buy meets new Canadian Standards Association specifica- tions. “There are some poorly made and even unsafe devices on the market,’’ White warns. “That’s why the federal and provincial transport departments asked the CSA a few years ago to develop a standard for safety and durability. This has now been done. So be sure to look for a statement about the CSA standard when you go shopping for a DRL kit.’’ White says the federal standards introduced in recent years have made cars much safer to drive, from a structural and equipraent standpoint. ‘‘A small contribution from vehicle owners would now be appropriate, and it could take no See DRLs Page 24 Price WARRANTY % Transmission oil filter and oil pan gasket guaranteed 12 months or 20,000 km. In- stallation covered 100 days. inclu installation a as listed 23 - Friday, June 30, 1989 - North Shore News ©DEALER FREE CHECK-UP One Automatic Transmission e Free 19 point multi check e Free Road Test ASK ABOUT OUR NATIONWIDE WARRANTY e Free Towing © One day service Free courtesy car Safeguard Maintenance, iy includes: © Clean Pan & Screen | G60 * Install New Gasket a coli « Full Road Test ¢ Adjust linkage & Fluid Please call tor an appointment Expires July 31/89. Valid on most foreign & domestic cars. & Bands Call the MISTER TRANSMISSION closest to you. _ transmission des parts and Price shown applies to these makes °GM @FORD eCHRYSLER °AMC ly © Supply and install transmission oil filter and an 1 oil pan gasket ° Up to 4 litres of transmission fluid « Road test e Adjust shift linkage and bands where appiicabte) Most vehicle manufacturers recommend an automatic trans mission tune-up every 40,000 km, under normal conditions. If your transmission is in doubt, fet our TOTAL SERVICE experts check it out. Hurry in to Canadian Tire today. Before we do any other work, to im- prove your vehicle's pertormance, we'll cal you for approval. 295 Most Cars and Light Trucks Effective June 25-July 8, 1989 ASBOTSFORD SURNABY *CHILEIWACK = *COQUITLAM = ‘LANGLEY MAP! 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