The number one beneficiary of DRLs, according a Mass. State Police trooper I know, are pedestrians.....and construction workers! He's cited a US study that shows dramatic reduction in daytime accidents and fatalities where DRLs are used - even in the sunshine belt.

Now it so happens the Volvo implementation sucks. You shouldn't have to run headlights along with your tail lights and instrument panel lamps; instead our cars should have a special DRL circuit a la GM, MB, Lexus, BMW and others. I wired my foglights for this use - I'm highly visible, but less annoying. The fact is, you are a safer (less dangerous) driver with lights on rather than off.

A recent European study:
If all motor vehicles would drive with lights on during the day
The number of accident fatalities European-wide would be reduced by 24.6 % corresponding to 5,500 people (based on the relevant multiple accidents during the day).
20.0 % fewer injuries - 155,000 people
740,000 less reported accidents
12.4 % less economic damage
Source: http://www.restena.lu/pri/12_98/deutsch/07.htm

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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)