New cars equipped with daytime running lights as of today
All new types of passenger cars and small delivery vansmust, as from today, be equipped with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), the European Union said.
Trucks and buses will follow suit in 18 months' time.
DRL lights are special lamps which automatically switch on when the engine is started. They are expected to increase road safety as they substantially raise the visibility of motor vehicles for other road users. They also have a low energy consumption rate compared with existing 'dipped-beam' head lights.
In countries where DRL is already obligatory it has been hailed as a very positive development in road safety.
European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said: "Daytime running lights will make an important contribution to our goal of reducing casualties on European roads. This is also good news for environment protection as the lower energy consumption rates will reduce CO2 emissions compared to normal lights”.
In 2009, more than 35,000 people were killed on European roads and, for every death, there are an estimated four permanently disabling injuries, ten serious injuries and 40 minor injuries. These numbers are falling thanks to a range of measures, including better safety technology for vehicles, safer road infrastructure and improved driver training.
According to recent research on DRL, road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can detect vehicles equipped with DRL more clearly and sooner than those equipped with dipped beam head lights. On vehicles equipped with DRL, the light is automatically switched on when the engine is started. When it is dark the driver has to switch on the driving lights manually. In this case the DRL goes off automatically.
From an environmental point of view, DRL is an effective solution for improving the visibility of vehicles. As the technology is designed to be used during the daytime it is much more effective and efficient than existing lighting devices. The energy consumption is approximately 25 - 30 % of the consumption of a standard driving light. When using the LED (Light Emitting Diode) for DRL, the energy consumption is further reduced to only 10%.
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a.Lautier
Feb 9th 2011, 23:25
Grazzi ghad-DRL.
Nispera li jkunu ta gid ukoll f'pajjizna izda nixtieq nigbed l-attenzjoni tal-
Kunsill Lokali tan-Naxxar jew din taghmel mal-Gvern Centrali?? dwar it-triq t'Alla u Ommu fejn lewwel nizla hija tal-biza biz-zlieq infatti kien sar esperiment fuq bicca tarmac ta kulur ahmar bil-bicciet tal-hgieg jekk niftakar tajjeb bhala non slip u ma baqawx nizlin fid-dawra laktar perikoluza fejn ta kuljum tara xi karozza imserrha fuq il-bankina tan-nofs li tifred iz-zewg toroq u dan tkun niezel bil-kemm timxi, l-istess nghid ghat triq l tmiss hdeja cioe int u tiela u tigi biex iddur ghal min hu bhali li juza din it-triq ta kuljum naf xjien nghid.
HEMM BZONN ISIR XI HAGA U TA MALAJR
M. Vella Wilson
Feb 9th 2011, 20:17
Correct me if I'm wrong. Motorcyclists have ALWAYS had to drive with full lights on, and this is for their own safety sothat other drivers can see them. So what's the fuss? Don't (car) drivers care for their safety too? Bring in these DRL cars but PLEASE take care of the roads. They are a disgrace and we can't keep depending on a Papal or Royal visit to have something done to them.
Alistair Galdes
Feb 9th 2011, 19:01
I hope that warden will be held personally responsable, for the loss of financial income that this person is going to suffer due to the closure of his shop to be present and contest this said contravention before the Commissioner of Justice.
Owen Baldacchino
Feb 9th 2011, 13:33
I drive a vehicle with DRL but since so many people on the street starting making fun of the ducks with their hand when I drive by or shout 'Għandek id-dawl mixgħul!', I use Dim lights instead. Hopefully these people start getting used to what DRL is and that it comes factory fitted in new cars.
Jason Falzon
Feb 9th 2011, 12:56
Brilliant how about improving road safety by having better road surfaces built quicker, instead of once every Pope's visit.
Also why not introduce a MINIMUM speed limit in certain roads with just one lane each side, thus reducing the urge to overtake the snails behind wheels by using the oncomming traffic lane and causing head-on collissions.
This should also be the delight of our very good friends the wardens, it'll open a brand new dimension full of opportunites to them as well.
J Brincat
Feb 9th 2011, 12:22
Certainly a good step in the right direction.
Oh how I wish that GonziPN gives me a weekly increase of € 600 (or is it € 500?) so that can afford a new car with such features!
M. Tonna
Feb 9th 2011, 11:38
Fog lights have a specific purpose and should be used solely for that purpose! I have never been given a ticket for using mine at the right time.
Unfortunately quite a few individual seem to think they are there to irritate the drivers behind them, and should you honk or flash them your lights to remind them, its only the beginning of the typical farse as you can expect them slowing down to a crawl, sudden braking and wondering into the next lane to prevent you from overtaking them.
Also they might let you pass them only to turn on all their brights and spots that makes you think the sun has fallen behind you, not to mention driving very close behind you especially if they do not own the car or if it is a commercial vehicle.
We maltese may pride ourselves of being good drivers but the merit goes to those who keep their cool inspight of this abuse, not to those who crown themselves kings of the road!
James Mistruzzi
Feb 8th 2011, 16:47
DRL's are effective, even in broad daylight. The next time you're driving directly into the sun, I guarantee you'll see oncoming cars with their lights on long before you see those without. As someone commented earlier, these lights are not there to make visibility better for the driver, but to help others see you. Every split-second counts when it comes to driving and if I get even 1/2 second more of safety, I'll take it.
j scerri
Feb 8th 2011, 14:51
Just imagine .....a filthy truck , van, pickup with barely visible front and rear lenses due to accumulation of dirt .
Just imagine such vehicles with DRL when not even normal lights work effectively .
Someone tell me how on earth can a van, truck whatever.. be left degrading in filth and dirt accumulating over days and days and not even being spotted by any traffic police or warden .
I am convinced such owners do this on purpose in order to see how long it will take for someone in authority to draw their attention.
It seems such drivers have a lot to learn ...a lot to learn ...DRL or no DRL.
C Galea
Feb 8th 2011, 13:25
I have two cars which had foglights fitted as a factory option .
I have had to disconnect the wiring to these foglights as it is
ILLEGAL
to have foglights in MALTA.
I am waiting for a warden to stick a contarvention chit on my car any day , but do not want to leave a hole where the foglights should be .
I hope that wardens have a bit of sense nad more important things to take note of !!!
Only in Malta .com
Gaetano Attard
Feb 8th 2011, 18:11
I have no idea of which wardens are you writing about ! Every morning I drive from Santa Venera to Ta' Xbiex and I usually meet few wardens and traffic police and so far I was NEVER stooped for driving with the full (incl Fog Lights) lights on !
Andrew Sammut
Feb 8th 2011, 18:53
It would be great of you could enlighten ToM readers as to which chapter and verse of the laws of Malta you're referring to. As for having to disconnect them - can't you just switch them off? After all, it's not the first time I've seen police cars with fog lamps - and yes, they're usually switched on.
F Bugeja
Feb 8th 2011, 21:08
C Galea, in Malta it is illegal to SWITCH ON your fog lamps, but it is not illegal to have them fitted to the front of your vehicle (especially if they come as a standard feature on your car). So put your mind at rest, there is no need to leave holes in place of your fog lamps. And what you said about disconnecting them is actually funny .. . . . all you had to do is switch them off . . . . . .LOL
M Muscat
Feb 9th 2011, 06:52
I know tons of people who were stopped from wardens because they had their fog lights on! (Factory fitted!)
One of them even went to the dealership and asked him why did he brink the cars with fitted fog lights if they are illegal, the answer was that in EU its obligatory to have fog lights!
Anyway, my car does not have any DRL fitted, but I always leave my dim light on while driving. I don't receive any electrical bills & fuel economy is not effected, it just increases my own safety on the road!
J. Falzon
Feb 8th 2011, 12:50
Mhux hekk - mux bizzejd qet jigi oghli l-kont tad-dawl.
Owen Baldacchino
Feb 9th 2011, 13:25
X'għandu x'jaqsam il-kont tad-dawl tad-dar mad-dawl tal-karozza?
Gaetano Attard
Feb 8th 2011, 10:56
I am a driver and I alwys like to see cars and motorbikes that use the lights at day time. I ALWAYS drive with my lights fully switched on. I like to be seen especially by those drivers that ar so busy doing all sort of things in their cars when driving.
Kenneth Williams
Feb 8th 2011, 09:48
x UZU GHANDOM DAWN ID DRL META IMBGHAD JKOLLOK IT TRIQ TIZLOQ U KWAZI TIBQA NIEZEL BIT TRUCK B KOLLOX MIN FUQ IL BRIDGE TA REGIONAL ROAD.U MHUX DARBA TNEJN BIEX ZGUR JIGBED L ATTENZJONI TAL MIN HU RESPONSABBLI......U SAL LUM KUL MA GHAMLU BARRIKATI TAL PLASTIC U T TRIQ TIZLOQ KIENET U TIZLOQ GHADA. L AQWA LI SER JKOLLNA D DRL
Katia Bugeja
Feb 8th 2011, 13:09
Prosit Kenneth ghidlu naqra hi lil Frans Muscat....
Greg Mifsud
Feb 9th 2011, 11:25
Kenneth Williams int inset tghid li minn dakinhar l'hawn ghaddew daqs 25,000 truck iehor ezattament mill-istess post u L-EBDA WIEHED MINNHOM ma skidja u kien se jibqa niezel ghal isfel. Hekk jew mhux hekk? Mela gbin twahhalx fit-triq u wahhal f'min isuq, ghax kieku kulhadd jiskidja.
katia bugeja
Feb 9th 2011, 16:18
@ Greg Mifsud ..... int bis-serjeta man... ma tridx tghid li t-toroq ta Malta tajbin ukoll hux. int jaqaw ghandek xi karozzo li taqbez 30000 euro? bhal tal-ministri? jew xi wiehed minnhom? ara veru hawn Malta m'hawx fejqan....ftit ta zmien wara kien hemm accident iehor simili ftit l-isfel.... ma trid tghid li dik it-triq bhal ta barra minn Malta hux. mela qatt ma hrigtx min dil-gzira jew. jien anki l-afrika mort overland u skantajt x'toroq b'tarmac tajjeb ghandom u kemm iqabbad. u tant hu tajjeb li tyres jigu suwed ghax jittiklu u meta tmur tixtri tyre issibhom kwart il-prezzijiet tat-tyres t'hawn Malta ghax jafu kemm jittiklu tyres. nipreferi nonfoq fit-tyres u nkun safe on the road milli nonfoq fir-rimmijiet u l-ball joints (marufa hafna fil-VRT) u nsuq f'toroq ta periklu u jizolqu f''besqa xita. kompli sawwat lilek innifsek Greg hi, vera ma nemminx dak li nisma. tarawx kulur wiehed biss arfu l-verita u mhux ghax int blue u hemm blue fil-gvern kollox tajjeb. ifthu mohkom, ghax at the end xorta intom qed tbatu, sakem kif ga ghedtlek mintix xi ministru jew wiehed ta gewwa sewwa.
Greg Mifsud
Feb 9th 2011, 20:55
Ghaziza Katia, iva jien bis-serjeta u bis-serjeta hafna. Ma rrid nghid xejn minn dak li ghidt int, imma irrid nghid dak li ghidt jien, grazzi, ghax naf x'jien nghid. Nerga nistaqsik, ghaddew jew m'ghaddex xi 25,000 truck iehor ezattament mill-istess post? U kemm minnhom skidjaw? OK, veru li t-toroq ta' Malta mhux l-aqwa tad-dinja, ijwa sifirt jien ukoll u rajt ahjar. Imma Alla tana mohh biex nuzawh. Issa jekk taf li t-triq mhix daqshekk tajba, adatta ruhek ghaliha, u mhux issuq qisek tigiega u mbaghad ghax titkahhal twahhal f'kollox minbarra fik innifsek. X'ghandu x'jaqsam min hemm fil-gvern u blue jew ahmar? It-toroq ta' Malta QATT ma jistghu ikunu perfetti, minhabba l-ammont fenomenali ta' vetturi li jridu jreggu kuljum kontinwament. Ghall informazzjoni tieghek, jien karozza normali ghandi, u peres li Alla tani mohh u nuzah, ghadha tajba u tibqa tajba anki fuq it-toroq ta' Malta li skond int dizastru. nahseb hi kwistjoni ta' min jara t-tazza nofsha vojta u min nofsha mimlija. Jekk int kuntenta tghix indannata, ifrah, imma jien nippreferi nuza mohhi u nadatta ruhi ghal fatti ta' madwari u nghix kuntent, u ma noqghodx ingib id-dinja fit-tarf ghax hlief ingorr u nmaqdar ma nafx naghmel f'hajti .... ezempju bhalek.
Katia Bugeja
Mar 8th 2011, 13:53
@ Greg Mifsud .... nikkonferma biex qed jitla dan il-gvern....
mela barra minn Malta mhux kwantita kbira ta karozzi u trailers jghaddu wkoll?!!
u min qallek li jien minix kuntenta. kuntenta hafna wkoll imma dak li mhux sew ma nghidlux sew kif qed taghmel int biex tatti l-hazin li qed jaghmel min qed jigbor it-taxxi. hekk kuntent int thallas licenzja gholja u fit-toroq ma jsirx xejn. jien nghaddi minn hemm spiss u qatt ma skidjajt fil-hajt u dan ghaliex jkolli nnaqqas il-velocita ghal-10 biex nghaddi min hemm. kull darba li nislowja nistenna xi daqqa tajba min wara li xorta tista titfani ghal isfel. haga ohra xorta niehu daqqa papali fil-molol ta quddiem u daqqa hoxna ohra fil ball joints tal-karozza.
ghandek titallem ukoll illum, li triq bhal dik skond il-kodici tas-sewqan huwa ta periklu jekk ma jkunx hemm traffiku u ssuq inqas min 30, hemmhekk speed normali huwa ta bejn 50 u 60. jigifieri biex ma jkollokx accident tkun qed tikser il-kodici tas-sewqan.
nawguralek li tiftah mohhok, beccun ferhan.
P Sultana
Feb 8th 2011, 08:50
I take this opportunity to show my concern and anger towards all those drivers, and they are very numerous, who do not switch on their lights early in the morning when it is still almost dark, and also those who leave it till the very last moments of daylight to switch them on in the evening. They seem not to realise that the car's lights are not only there to show the road ahead of you, but also to MAKE THEMSELVES VISIBLE TO OTHER DRIVERS. You see many cars driving around with their lights switched off on a dull stormy day in December. And I keep on shaking my head from side to side when I see them.
Gaetano Attard
Feb 8th 2011, 11:50
You are just right, I fully agree.
M Attard
Feb 8th 2011, 08:38
Do we need DRL in Malta, especially during summer time? Is it the natural sunlight not enough to help you to detect a vehicle from a distance while you are driving? I believe that accidents happen due to the poor state of the roads and the careless driving of such drivers.
L Attard
Feb 9th 2011, 10:23
Relax, don't' get your knickers in a knot. The article clearly states that all new cars will be equipped with them from now, not that we have to put them in our cars as yet.
Wow, people really like to cause panic over the stupidest things in this country. This is why we never move forward, because something like DRL and the thought of a bridge from Malta to Gozo causes more raucous than the REAL problems in our country.
Vincent Gauci
Feb 8th 2011, 08:33
If only we obey blindly ALL EU rules, including those that do not strictly apply!!
Joe Borg
Feb 8th 2011, 11:18
yeah like the illegal tax imposed on us for leaving the country and the more than excessive taxes paid on new cars, whereas in other countries are not only about half our prices but people also receive incetives to change their cars more oftenly towards a cleaner environment.
Joe Borg
Feb 8th 2011, 07:35
i am very curious on who the governent will try to push this idea on to the maltese drivers. you can hardly convince certain drivers to switch on their lights at night, especially vans and buses. you often find them in pitch black dark with one xmas tree size bulb lit on, maybe they are afraid that they will consume their battery.
you know what is really dangerous? driving in the middle of the road at very slow speeds, talking in mobiles, slowing down abruptly while approaching a speed camera. where are the wardens????
could anyone just tell me what's the real use of these lights in sunny malta?????? especially during daytimes in summer?
Ramon Casha
Feb 8th 2011, 06:32
Although they do no harm, I have doubts about their effectiveness. Different studies have reached different conclusions. A 2008 US study found that they made no difference except for light trucks. Other studies found them effective. DRLs were first introduced in Nordic countries where it is dark or semi-dark for most of the day anyway in winter. They are also effective in fog conditions, which are rare in Malta. Although we will be required to have them as part of an EU policy, there are other, more important things to do to improve the safety of Maltese roads, starting with the actual roads.
Damien falzon
Feb 7th 2011, 23:16
Drl's make a huge difference even during the day, they make a huge difference in visibility when someone checks his rearview mirror to see if their are any cars behind him.
I have got used to a technique were when i want to pass someone who is blocking the outside lane i put my headlamps on high beam and almost instantly they move out of the way.
Stephen Zammit
Feb 7th 2011, 22:13
I can understand having such lights in the bleak Northern European weather, but here in Malta where we have blinding sunlight?
Patrick Mallia
Feb 7th 2011, 22:10
And yet a person was stopped by an idiot of a warden because he had some LED's light strips on the front which the car came with. The car had passed from the TM authorities, has passed VRT several times, and yet this idiot of a warden ticketed him because according to the traffic regulations no additional lights apart from those mandated by the regulations, that is sidelamps, headlamps, indicators, brake lights etc can be added. As some have observed some time ago, the law is an ass and the MPs are its parents
Patrick Grixti
Feb 7th 2011, 21:14
Well maybe so but in MALTA these can be deemed to be illegal! and hence subject to a fine. A car does have fog lamps but ONLYYYY IN MALTA these are illegal! Hello Transport Malta. Can you update our outdated colonial era regulations please
R Bartolo
Feb 7th 2011, 20:44
I find it nothing short of incredible that the vast majority of whiners on here, really have no idea what DRLs actually are. For all of you, without exception - DRLs are NOTHING to do with any law requiring anyone to drive their existing cars with their headlights on. Hence, you may as well withdraw your comments, because they are irrelevant. As for sunny or otherwise? Words fail me. A rehash of the "we don't need seatbelts because we are surrounded by the sea" hogwash that we were fed in the 80's and 90's (yes, no joke this, it was official mantra).
Joe Cassar
Feb 8th 2011, 08:55
Mr Bartoilo, the "hogwash", as you so elegantly put it, is all on your side. These lights are designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions. In southern latitudes, they will provide no benefits and will lead to increased fuel consumption and, therefore, increased pollution.
They are one more proof that, despite its fine words about "strenght in diversity" the EU is unable to tailor its regultions to the specific conditions of the Member States.
R Bartolo
Feb 8th 2011, 10:16
Dear Mr Cassar, typical island mentality. Probably you have never driven abroad, no need to go very far - try neighbouring Sicily, where (as in the rest of Italy) driving with headlights on on the faster roads is mandatory, and, from experience, results in being able to perceive an oncoming vehicle from a far greater distance than would otherwise be the case. In bright, blinding sunlight.
Oh but I forget, probably just like we used to think that only we have the sea, we probably think that only we have the sun in all of Europe. Yes, we are that special and unique, we are, the centre of the known universe, the hub that all the planets and galaxies rotate about.
Oh and if you think that (maybe) 5w of LED power is going to noticeably increase fuel consumption/pollution - no comment necessary.
Alan Sammut
Feb 7th 2011, 20:40
most of our new cars have such lights installed... all it takes is switching them on from the on board computer. They improve car visibility especially of relevance with neutral coloured cars, low light intensity at dawn and dusk. These DRLs help avoid head-on collisions. SO LETS USE THEM PLEASE !
simon cutajar
Feb 7th 2011, 20:07
...........And what about motorcycle"s . I'm not sure if there's already a law in malta that says that motorcycles must have lights on during there journey . If yes , policemen should start first .
p.grima
Feb 8th 2011, 00:27
I bought a new 125cc motorcycle more than three years ago which is factory-fitted with DRL standard . The more visible, the safer.
This is what I wrote in an earlier post about DRL:
Oh come on. Why do some people have to make an issue out of everything?
The sound systems on any car consume far more electricity than any LED system. (not to mention the air conditioner). The engine charges the battery all the while anyway.
I have been riding my motorbikes with the main beam on (day and night) for years. My present bike has automatic DRL.
K Vella
Feb 7th 2011, 19:15
Well done.... irrevelant if Malta is sunny or not this provide further security on our roads. Road discipline is always welcome, take for example speed cameras I am sure that these has assisted to reduce road accidents. It would be interesting to issue some statistics here.
Albert Rausi
Feb 7th 2011, 18:21
Incredible comments as usual, we have enough sunshine in Malta for cars to be seen ???? , like there is no sunshine in other European countries .What kind of an intelligent comment is that , it must have cost the European movement a few Million Euros to come up with that study report together with car manufacturers which as a matter of fact has aready been proven to save motorcycle riders lives .....................Hombre Por Favor !!!
L Debono
Feb 7th 2011, 18:05
It is not the country that is a farce but those who can not handle a simple change. The wining is worse than that of a toddler. On top of the complaining you got those who miss the point and go on a totally different subject. It's about DRL and they are safe and useful even in a desert with full sunshine (in case you don't know). The people that studied this issue and concluded that they are safer, are not the morons like some might think they are. Just to make your day even more exiting. The automobile industry is evaluating rear mounted cameras for reversing. This might be the next safety measure.
C. Weitze
Feb 7th 2011, 19:08
These rear mounted cameras for easier reversing were already available about 10 years ago. I happened to hire a Nissan in Germany around that time which had this camera installed. The moment you put on the reverse gear the camera goes on and you have a clear view on what is behind you. An excellent gadget, which I can highly recommend.
martin saliba
Feb 7th 2011, 17:51
What difference will it make many are asking. A very big one. You will be fine it the lights fail to go on or if you have to swtich on the lights manually for older cars when a new law says that all cars must have lights switched on.
aristide galea
Feb 7th 2011, 17:44
My son's car was imported with something similar and was booked by a Local warden because he said it is against the law. He is going to contest this said contravention because if it is against the Motor Vehicle Regulations Act, it was the responsability of the ADT to signal this, during their inspection of the car when it was imported. The car still have the ADT Passed Certificate on the windscreen,but was ignored by the warden when my son told the warden that the car was imported with those type of lights. He wrote to the Appeal Board on this matter,but the reply was that he have to contest this contravention with the Commissioner of Justice Tribunal.
Charles Sammut
Feb 7th 2011, 18:54
Consider it as a tax not a contravention. Instead of coughing up more tax to pay welfare to unemployed people, they get employed as wardens and kumissarji tal-gustizja and we pay their salaries through 'contraventions'.
Patrick Mallia
Feb 8th 2011, 08:41
I happen to know this person. Who is going to be held responsible for this person's closure of his shop as he has to appear before the Tribunal to contest the warden's ticket and thus lose business? This shows that the wardens system is nothing else but simply a measure to fill the wardens companies pockets at the taxpayers expense.
Edmund Azzopardi
Feb 7th 2011, 17:28
It is true that with our climate, especially in summer, we do not need daytime running lights. But then we go to the other extreme and do not even put our lights on when it is raining during the day, especially if it has become even a bit dark. Over 95% of motorists do not bother to put their lights on when it is raining. Side lamp lights are enough especially if it is not that dark during the rain. You do not put on the lights to see at this time, but to be seen.
vince cachia
Feb 7th 2011, 17:23
I do not know about you bloggers but I have been motorbiking for forty years twenty of which with headlamp on. Besides that, Volvo cars have been equipped with such lights for more than twenty years. So this is no new thing!!
Muscat D
Feb 7th 2011, 18:35
Yes, but now you will no longer be the exception and cars will just ignore you as there will be twenty others in their rear view mirror with lights on. They will no longer give a second glance to see what it is. I too have been using lights since 1982. Motorbike users will lose out with this law.
C Cassar
Feb 7th 2011, 17:22
Thank God Malta is in the EU. Otherwise nothing will have been applied to improve road safety. Why are the Maltese so dumb on this subject? They produce no research, make no investment and basically show no interest in road safety. Yet when something is done for them (at someone else's cost) they suddenly become experts on the subject and reject the findings from those who clearly have years more experience and knowledge on the subject.
Stephan Galea
Feb 9th 2011, 14:36
Li jkollok bionic suit ukoll is proved to be safe pero mur ixtrija ;) Improving road safety at the population's cost is fine where everyone can pay for such. If for a minor improvement in road safety you put people in monetary crisis is not the way to go. How about we do a referendium and see if we want them or not? or perhaps we do a referendium jihdux iz zieda l MPs? (that would surely cut down costs of the government) u nuzaw il flus biex inehhu il hofor li hawn fit toroq. Jekk dan id dawl inaqqas l accidenti iktar milli kiku hawn toroq sura go ahead. Il hofor li kixfet ix xita ta dan lahhar tal biza tkisser karozza plus li andek xorti ma tikahhalx ma xi hajt. Tridna nixtru karozzi godda? Fine nehhi it taxxa kolla minn fuqhom. Trid road safety? Inbidlu citazjonijiet according to the monthly income halli no one can afford parking in a corner. Some people can afford paying 20 euros parking fine others don't so they abide to the law. while the other can afford it yet he is putting others in danger.
m.ellul
Feb 7th 2011, 17:12
I agree with the DRL's because they indeed catch you attention in daylight but, I would like that Mr Tajani would pay us a visit here in Malta and see the state of our roads, maybe he can also introduce the DPL's and most important the NPL's. for the sake of other's : DPL - Daylight Pothole Light NPL - Night Pothole Light
C. Weitze
Feb 7th 2011, 17:04
Are you seriously complaining that switching on the light during daytime will increase the CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption?!? What a joke! You should better complain about all those cars that are smoking like hell from their backsides! How on earth could these cars pass an emission tests is beyond my understanding! As for lights on during daytime: mine are on whenever it is cloudy or rainy. There have been enough tests which proof that it makes a great difference. Even the color of a car makes a difference when it comes to safety: a yellow or orange car can be spotted much easier, than a white, black or silver car. Check it out on the internet.
R.Cassar
Feb 7th 2011, 18:13
Basically the auto safety industry is mimicking the aviation safety record. Why is it that pilots place the landing lights on (in daylight or not) for landing ? (this in addition to anti-collision, nav, strob lights) Because one of the basic lessons when learing to fly is SEE & BE SEEN. So yes it is well proven that Lights ON diminish accidents. (I beleive Sweden was the first to adopt this) http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/history/driving_on_right.shtml Why do I put on the lights when it rains or drizzles? Because we drivers/pedestrians ie human beings are prone to mood changes subject to weather....where our attention span diminishes accompanied by the thought of getting to the office late.... Lights on will obviously switch on the rear lights which increases depth perception to the following driver. (increase distance judgement) Thus i encourage all drivers to switch on the lights in rainy,drizzly,misty weather.
RMangion
Feb 7th 2011, 16:58
Usual grumbling on this website, what difference will it make ? You buy a new car, you get these lights and they are on, simple as that.
Joe Borg
Feb 7th 2011, 18:00
Well said. Maltese gemgem. Some are nothing but a bunch of cry babies.
Kenneth Muscat
Feb 7th 2011, 16:57
For Malta we're going to have "Holes detectors" instead of Daytime lights.Our roads still need improvements .This daytime lights will make no difference for us.Its better we that we have small engine cars,than a 2.0 ltr Audi with the Daytime lights.
Frans Muscat
Feb 7th 2011, 16:55
My Jetta has DRL and I'm very happy with them. With all the maniacs on our roads I need all the help I can get to make it home in one piece.
A Attard
Feb 7th 2011, 16:42
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Surely, this does not go for Malta.
We are blessed with sunlight and visibility is nearly 97 % of all the days all year round.
We only need to be reasonable and at one point in sunset, before sunrise and entering tunnels/ car parks we put on the lights.
We need no futile laws.
We need no extra sittings at our parlament
Mario Abela
Feb 7th 2011, 16:28
everyone is saying they are useless and we dont need them in this country.. guess what i used to think so too.. but when i used to see people with their lights on (not DRLs) you notice the car more especially when looking trough those blind spot mirrors which most of you people dont even care to look at... thats why i started turning my beams on whenever i drive it makes me feel safer.. and whenever someone flicks the high beams or waves their hand i actually have fun laughing at them.. people shouldnt really care about having and led or two on they should start using indicators more and please stay on the left lane dont hog both lanes its irritating
J Zammit
Feb 7th 2011, 16:19
I fully agree.
It is already law in several countries and it has been proven that it lowers the chances of car accidents .... sunshine or not !!!
Well done EU.
Jesmond Micallef
Feb 7th 2011, 16:14
The main lens of this car's headlight looks like that of spaceship "Discovery One" computer called "HAL 9000" from Stanley Kubrick's all time great "2001 - Space Odyssey"..!! I am watching you !!
Hubert Paul Farrugia
Feb 7th 2011, 16:03
A step in the right direction for veichle safety.
ESC / ESP / Stability Control (especially in ungritted and curvy roads such as Malta) should be also fitted as standard on all new cars. The technology has been proved to reduce skidding related accidents by 70%, both at low and high speeds. The strange thing is that most cars in mainland Europe come with this technology as standard, but not new cars you buy here... EURONCAP have pointed this out (check at their website) on their ESC fitment survey. Malta is in last place for most cars.
It seems car importers have the same trend of thought as msammut and others here have.
Joseph N Attard
Feb 7th 2011, 16:03
Some contributors have opined that we do not need such lights in Malta, because here 'it is sunny'. Alas, this betrays a certain negative attitude regarding safety. We do get many dull days; we do have a tendency to delay putting on our lights till when it is nearly pitch dark, and then, most probably, it will be the bright lights, even if following another vehicle; we still think that putting on the lights shortens the life of the battery; we still do not put on the lights in tunnels; we still use the sidelamps instead of the main lights., etc, etc. The high number of accidents on our roads shows that many of us do not know how to drive safely.
Muscat D
Feb 7th 2011, 15:58
When I ride my bike I always have the lights on. Cars used to spot me from a kilometer away in their rear view mirror. Now with everyone having his lights on I will no longer be noticed as I move in behind a car, as there will be twenty others apart from me. In my opinion, this law has increased the danger for motorbikes in Malta. It's not as if we are living in Sweden in winter where people drive in semi darkness all day long.
Patrick Mulholland
Feb 7th 2011, 15:58
Yep - nice move! Very effective in our glaring sunshine!
Another senseless EU directive. I suppose they can't spend their time doing something more useful.
Wilfred Camilleri
Feb 7th 2011, 16:43
When will Maltese ever learn? Daytime running lights have been a fixture in North America for years. It's a safety issue. When traveling on two-lane roads and especially on overcast or rainy days, daylight running lights prove essential to see on-coming cars. Also if someone forgets to put on their lights after dusk, at least the daylight running lights will compensate a little.
Peter Korsten
Feb 7th 2011, 15:51
Just last week, I saw a rather nice Audi A5 Coupé, which has these DLRs, and yes, it makes a difference, even during daytime. So I disagree with the nay-sayers below.
Having said that, this will be yet another excuse for Maltese drivers not to turn on their dipped beams when it turns dark, so in the particular case of Malta, this will actually DECREASE road safety. And you can bet that the EU will be blamed for this, and not the people who are too lame to follow the rules (or use common sense for that matter).
KATIA BUGEJA
Feb 7th 2011, 15:50
although it is a positive thing, but we need much more road safety with regards to tarmac. our roads are disaster and it is better for eu to push our goverment to arrange all roads. it is useless to have light which will not light the scary shadows of billions of potholes, which are putting our life continously in danger. useless lights, useless VRT, useless licences, useless transport malta..... 1st we have to start from roads maintance, than find the foundation of other things which are also important.
Frans Muscat
Feb 7th 2011, 16:57
You're banging on the wrong door. The EU does not tell governments when their potholes need to be filled in. How about hassling your MP in Malta to get something done about that, next time he or she come to request your vote?
Katia Bugeja
Feb 8th 2011, 13:07
@Frans Muscat.... but that was what they were promising and saying before IVA ghall-Europe won the referendum. that street will be done to have the same standard of EU. possibli ghalik it-toroq jinsabu f'livell straordinarju u f'livell standard ma dawk tal-EU? ghax jekk iva nghidlek jew qatt ma sifirt jew tohrog mid-dar b'xi UFO, jew ma tohrogx mid-dar.....u jien ma ghandi l-ebda MP fl-ewropa. jekk forsi ghandek xi wiehed int, jekk temmen hekk mur issibu u tghidlu. jien inhoss li la ghandna bzonn noqodu nwasslu l-messaggi billi nsibu xi MP u lanqas ghanda tkun l-ewropa biex ikolna toroq tajba. la nhallsu t-taxxi u l-licenzji tal-karozzi gholjin esagerati ghandhom isiru, bhal ma jien u int jekk nahdmu ghandna nhalsu t-taxxa u hadd ma joqod jibat ghal-hadd biex inhalsuha. bhal ma rridu niehdu l-karozza ghal-vrt bilfors hekk ghandom isiru t-toroq. kulhadd ghajnejh f'wiccu u kulhadd fil-kuxjenza tahom jaf x'toroq ghandna...... sur Muscat. issa jekk int wiehed min ta gewwa jew ma twigibx jew terga tmeri u tghid li kollox mixi tajjeb f'dan il-pajjiz. u li dawn id-dawl ghandu jigi wkoll impost fuq min jixtri karozza (for safety) qabel ma jitrangaw it-toroq - ghax it-toroq Maltin veru safe!!! ghal xi vjagg fuq hmara!!!
A brincat
Feb 8th 2011, 20:59
Katia Bugeja, it-toroq Maltin safe kemm taghmilhom int. Hawn hafna toroq tajbin u hawn hafna toroq inqas tajbin. Biss pero, jekk tirregola is-sewqn tieghek ghal kundizzjoni tat-triq li tkun ghadejja minnha, iva it-toroq taghna huma safe , u hafna wkoll. Imma mbaghad min irid jafas il-gass qisu dejjem ha jaqaghlu, dak imbaghad is-safety qed jarmih goz-zibel.
J BUTTIGIEG
Feb 9th 2011, 10:24
Naqbel mal-kumment ta Katia li l-ewwel ghandhom jitrangaw it-toroq.
@ A. Brincat - ma nafx min liema toroq tghaddi int, pero 3/4 tat-toroq min fejn insuq jien dizastru u ghalkemm inkun qed insuq bi speed baxx xorta wahda tkun ha titfarrak il-karozza bl-iskossi...u wara din ix-xita li ghamlet iktar qeghdin dizastru t-toroq ghax il-hofor komplew jikbru!
Katia Bugeja
Feb 9th 2011, 16:33
@ A brincat - veru jmissna nisthu x'Maltin u x'tip ta Mentalita hawn fostna. tirrejalizza biex qed jitla dan il-gvern sur Mr.? biex tghid li t-toroq ta Malta safe u tajbin ta!!! nahseb jew qed tghix f''holma jew ma tohrogx mid-dar, jew il-ufo li nara jittajar huwa int. niddubita kemm sifirt int. hawn Malta lanqas nafu x'inhu tarmac tajjeb. jew ahjar minn hekk.... jaqaw xi wiehed milli tiehu t-tenders int jew?!! biex ma nigbdux habel wiehed fuq xi haga li hi veru ovvja u tider f'wiccna u xi haga li qed nigu ntaxxati bl-addocc fuqa u jikber id-dejn u jibqaw sejrin lura, ahseb u ara kemm ser naqblu f'affarijiet fejn barra min Malta jaqblu fuqhom. x'ma jaddiex bir-romblu minn fuqna l-gvern....tal-misthija u tal-wahx fl-istess hin li ghad hawn min jghid li t-toroq huma safe u tajbin. mar-roundabouts l-iktar!!! le veru qedin sew.
@ J BUTTIGIEG.. thanks u prosit u keep it up.... jien jiddispjacini ghal min hu ghami. ghax jitfana lura biss jista. grazzi Buttigieg ghax cittadin pur Malti li thobb il-Malta.
David Schembri
Feb 7th 2011, 15:46
How Stupid. This is a trivial but definite example were the EU is NOT considering the personalised, individual needs of each country. Just because these lights are important for northern countries like Scandinavia because of poor daytime visibility does not mean it is necessary to implement the same in Siciliy, Malta and Cyprus where you can see a car coming a mile away. How are they protecting the environment with this measure. If they want to harmonise things they should first harmonise the wages all across the EU - just like their wages are all harmonised in the European Parliament and Council. The F....ers!
But what do they do - they come up with a stupid law that has to fit all countries even if it isn't necessary - what a waste of VAT money to have these people telling us what to do! When is a proper Needs Assessment for Malta going to be performed and then implemented. Free Rice and Pasta for Malta is definitely not enough. What a disgrace the EU is!
f cas
Feb 7th 2011, 15:44
I'm doing my car license test soon and guess what, I'm penalized if I happen to forget the lights switched on! So all of a sudden, from being bad, it's becoming a must? Ara vera pajjiz tal-mickey mouse.
K.M. Fiorentino
Feb 7th 2011, 15:42
S.Sultana we are talking about day light, I repeat DAY LIGHT !!
If it's dark (6.30/7.00am in December) you put on your lights ofcourse.
Joseph Casha
Feb 7th 2011, 15:41
Why all this banter anyways? at least when it rains or going through tunnels people will have their lights on whether they like it or not. For crying out loud is it really such a big deal to have an extra standard feature on your car?
dbugeja
Feb 7th 2011, 15:39
we're literally blinded with sunlight everyday... even during winter! why should this be imposed on us too? just to follow suit?! was this decision backed with a scientific study to prove that this measure is needed in Malta too? if so, where is it and why nobody reports it? having to switch on light during daytime will actually increase CO2 emissions and consume more fuel. even if the lights consume little energy, one must also take note of the duration (hrs) of use. make your own calculations!
Wilfred Camilleri
Feb 7th 2011, 16:45
Daytime running lights are a safety issue. When traveling on two-lane roads and especially on overcast or rainy days or on days with poor visibility, daylight running lights enable drivers to see on-coming cars. Even when the sun is shining bright, the lights make oncoming traffic more noticeable. This has been proven in North America were such lights have been a requirement for years.
Chris Spiteri
Feb 7th 2011, 15:34
Good measure for safety... hopefully, Maltese drivers will get used to these type of lights and not signal with either hands or beam that you have your lights on during daytime!!!
Charles DeMicoli
Feb 7th 2011, 15:32
Insurance companies give a discount for vehicles equipped with DRL's. DRL's do prevent some accidents. Headlamps should also be turned while driving with the wipers on when it's raining.
wally vella-zarb
Feb 7th 2011, 15:29
Well, if not on the open road, they will certainly be welcome inside tunnels like the ones at Marsa. Each time I drive through them there is always some idiot who does not bother to put his lights on.
J Mallia
Feb 7th 2011, 15:24
Another means how wardens are gonna jump in the middle of the road splashing fines all over !!
Jesmond Micallef
Feb 7th 2011, 15:16
Volvo and Saab vehicles had such lights (not LEDS though) eversince the late seventies or early eighties, if I remember correctly !!
Who knows, maybe there is potential for this Malta based manufacturer here !!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101108/local/led-producing-company-enjoying-fast-growth
Joe Cassar
Feb 7th 2011, 15:12
Clearly one of those "one-size-fits-all" measures imposed by the faceless bureaucrats in Brussels.
It might make sense in the northern countries where, in Winter, it is dark by 3pm and the rest of the day is almost as gloomy.
It makes no sense whatsoever in the brighter southern countries where it is simply a waste of energy and unnecesary pollution.
Paul Borg
Feb 7th 2011, 15:22
Well said Joe. One must also add that for most of the year, the sun is so strong that these lights are overcome by the reflection within the headlamps.
msammut
Feb 7th 2011, 15:11
Do we need these in Malta?!
This is a Germano-centric EU... its rules are meant for the Germanic Nations, not for the Latin Nations, who have different climatic and cultural needs and conditions.
S. Sultana
Feb 7th 2011, 15:30
Maybe you can set up your own special car industry for the Mediterranean region.
Andrew Cachia
Feb 7th 2011, 16:26
this is also a legal requirement in mediterranean Italy !
K.M. Fiorentino
Feb 7th 2011, 15:03
We certainly do not need such lights as we are blessed with full sunlight during daytime nearly all year round! We are the envy of all European countries! Such lights are meant for dull countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Holland.... where there is no day time!!
C A Camilleri
Feb 7th 2011, 15:22
Dear K.M. Fiorentino, you might have 'full sunlight' but I do not know of any case whereby the sunlight paid my bills. Careful for the sunburn.
S. Sultana
Feb 7th 2011, 15:32
Is the sun up in December when you leave for work at 6:30 or 7:00 am?
Carmel Garcia
Feb 7th 2011, 15:44
Mr Sultana, Mr Fiorentino is talking about only in the light of the sun, not when it is still dark like 6.00 to 7.00am. And yes I agree with Mr. Fiorentino.
S. Sultana
Feb 7th 2011, 16:52
So what's the big deal that the lights are partly on in daytime? It's not like they operate on petrol. Get real!
Azzopardi V
Feb 7th 2011, 17:20
7am in winter you dont need such a fancy christmas tree lighting but beams on!! do you really got a driving license?
Robert Azzopardi
Feb 8th 2011, 12:46
You (and by you I mean Maltese ppl in general lest you take offence Ms/Mr Fiorentino) never cease to surprise me and I mean that in the most negative of ways. Why is it that you must comment on everything. Your statement is totally condescending and so very typical of you. Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Germany = Dull, Malta = sunshine therefore happiness therefore envy of all other countries. As C A Camilleri said sunshine has never payed your bills. There is absolutely nothing really nothing wrong with having your lights on at all times, the only prob is that in Malta people will constantly blink their lights at you (ma jmurx taqalek il batri bhal ma kien jigri dari)
Nyal Xuereb
Feb 7th 2011, 14:57
Altough here in Malta we already have some cars equiped with DRL's, other motorists still flicker their lights at you, thinking you forgot your lights on.
G. Grech
Feb 7th 2011, 15:24
Makes no sense for vehicles in Malta. The sun is bright enough all year round and we rarely have foggy conditions.
Andrew Cachia
Feb 7th 2011, 16:25
What do we have to lose by using this technology? isnt it better safe than sorry?
edward bartolo
Feb 7th 2011, 16:42
Quote: "Makes no sense for vehicles in Malta. The sun is bright enough all year round and we rarely have foggy conditions." How true! The Limbo Dwellers cannot imagine having proper sunshine.
Nadine Vassallo
Feb 8th 2011, 10:32
Totally agree with you Nyal. When we started driving our new car over a year ago we used DRL. People flicked all the time - they never drove on motorways abroad apparently.
I find it so much better when people drive with their DRL on it is a very good visual aid when driving, makes spotting cars faster and helps you in your judgement when over taking.
i think im going to start using them again!