According to the Auto Engineering Magazine issue of November - December 2008, the European Commission announced that as from 7 February 2011 all cars and light delivery vehicles sold in Europe must be equipped with Daytime Running Lights to improve road safety. As from 2012, the directive will be extended to include trucks and busses.

Mr Gunter Verheugen, the Vice President responsible for enterprise and industry policy, said "The introduction of Daytime Running Lights for cars, trucks and busses makes the automobile more visible, which will increase road safety. This will make a positive contribution to their goal in reducing fatalities on European roads."

Research shows that almost 50% of all road accidents occur due to drivers who do not have the ability to identify critical situations in order to react proactively. It is often a problem when a driver does not "see" an oncoming vehicle and/or the ability to judge distance and speed. It does not depend on how well the driver can see, but what is seen and how well the driver reacts to it.

The purpose of Daytime Running Lights is to have visual contrast. In other words, to make a vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians which, according to research, should reduce accidents and crashes. As the vehicle's lights will be on, it will also be visible to the driver in front of the vehicle, in the rear and in the side mirrors to act proactively in avoiding a possible situation. Most accidents occur when overtaking large vehicles like trucks and busses. Daytime Running Lights will assist in judging the distance, speed and position of an oncoming vehicle.

Vehicles are designed to be safer with crumble zones and air bags. Vehicle manufacturers make every effort to protect the driver and passengers from possible injury. No effort is being made to protect pedestrians.

Daytime Running Lights will save lives.