The European Union plans to bring the rest of Europe in line with countries such as Sweden and believes it will help road safety. It could become law by 2008.
The FSA hopes that high-mileage business drivers will set an example by taking up the idea now.
Association spokesman Steve Johnson said: ‘After all, what are the downsides of having dipped headlights on at all times?
‘Some have claimed that by having headlamps on all the time, fuel consumption rises. That may have been the case decades ago but, with the advent of new generation bulb technology and charging system management, the added electronic consumption is barely measurable.
‘Drivers should remember the many other factors that can increase fuel consumption and then put daylight running lights into perspective.’
Earlier this month, it was revealed scientific research backed up claims that daytime running lights reduce accidents and suggested fleets adopting this practice before it becomes law could be making an ‘easy safety win’ (Fleet News, November 16).
The Department for Transport conducted its own research into the European Commission plan to make daytime running lights compulsory across Europe to make traffic more visible.
The research, carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory, found some problems with the EC report but generally agreed with the conclusions.
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