syclone wrote:
>
> DRL's are standard on Explorers sold in Canada. I think Ford has
> always had an extra cost accessory that activatied DRL in later model
> cars (2000 and later). Not only are cars with DRL safer, you also can
> save about $40.00 per year ( NY) in insurance costs. Insurance
> companys think they are safer too.
For the pro DRL propaganda see
http://www.hwysafety.org/safety_facts/qanda/drl.htm
For the anti DRL propaganda see
http://www.safespeed.org.uk/~dadrl/whats coming.html
The pro DRL sites trumpet studies in far northern countries
and use weasel wording. They say things like a x% percent
reduction in DRL relevant crashes, without adequately
defining DRL relevant crashes, or adequately examining if
DRLs are increasing other sorts of crashes. They smack of
reports that were written to justify a preordained
conclusion.
Personally, I hate DRLs. I don't think they increase safety
in my area, and they are irritating as heck, particularly
when implemented on a jacked up truck or SUV. On the other
hand, my Saturn has them, and even though they can be easily
disabled by pulling a single relay, I have not done so. But
then, my DRLs don't bother ME. As for Insurance companies
offering discounts - well they did so for 5 mph bumpers, ABS
brakes, and air bags - other debatable "safety" innovations.
It almost seem like if you are 55 years old, driving a
Toyota with 5 mph bumpers, ABS brakes, air bags, and DRLs,
the insurance company ought to pay you!
If you really, really want to add them to a late model
Explorer see
http://www.cheapfordparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_8&products_id=1362
..
Ed