KEY POINTS:
The European Union is to make daytime running lights mandatory for all cars from February, 2011.
It says figures from the World Health Organisation show that driving with lights running will reduce the incidence of crashes by 10 to 15 per cent.
It seems a no-brainer - if you're more visible to other motorists, surely you're less likely to be smashed into.
But here, the issue of driving with your lights on is among those hardy talkback chestnuts.
And that's probably because there's so much confusion. Driving with your lights on doesn't mean you can drive with any lights on. Fog lights and park lights are a no-no - in fact a $150 fine no-no.
There also seems to be some debate as to how the running lights will impact on fuel costs.
Some say the amount of extra fuel required to generate daytime running lights is negligible while others say they noticed a huge rise in their fuel bills.
Some people seem to be threatened by motorists who keep their lights on. They say switching on the headlights turns some people into monsters.
The lights aren't there for safety - they say they're used to demand an immediate right of access, that they're a "get out of my way I'm coming through" kind of statement.
That's not my motivation. On murky or rainy days, and on long car journeys, the lights go on. I'm willing to do any little thing to help ensure I get from A to B safely.
* www.kerrewoodham.com
