päiväajovalot

Päiväajovalot, also known as daytime running lights (DRLs), are lights on the front of a vehicle that are designed to increase visibility of the vehicle when it is being driven during daylight hours. They are not intended to illuminate the road ahead, but rather to make the vehicle more conspicuous to other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The use of daytime running lights is mandated in many countries for new vehicles and in some regions, it is also compulsory for all vehicles to use them at all times.

The primary purpose of päiväajovalot is to reduce the number of daytime traffic accidents. Studies have shown that the use of DRLs can significantly improve a vehicle's visibility in various weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and snow, as well as in low-light situations like dawn and dusk. They help other drivers and road users to spot oncoming traffic and to better judge distances and speeds.

In Finland, and many other European countries, päiväajovalot have been a legal requirement for new cars since 2011. The regulations specify the type and intensity of these lights. While they are designed to be automatic and switch on when the engine starts, drivers are still expected to use their headlights when visibility is poor or when driving at night, as DRLs are insufficient for illuminating the road. The distinction between DRLs and headlights is important for safe driving.