Lights during daytime in Poland

From 1992 in Poland was obligation to use passing beam headlights in automotive traffic during daytime in autumn and winter. From April 2007 was introduced extension of this obligation to spring and summer. This obligation caused controversies and discussions. In some, mostly European countries this obligation is present during part of year or during full year on all or selected roads. Known research shows that profits of this obligation understanding as decreased number of killed and injured people exceed costs understanding as additional fuel consumption and light sources replaced. This law in Poland is used till now some month more over one year. The results and differences can be observed only for few months of2007 in relation to adequate few months in 2006. It is to short period of time to reach final conclusions. Because in 2007 the total number of accidents increases comparing 2006 there is a pressure of part of mass media and public opinion to withdraw this law. Preliminary detailed analysis of accidents connected with using lights during daytime shows rather decreased number of daytime light-dependent accidents when is observed increased number of night accidents. It means that common feeling regarding using lights in daytime and nigh-time can be far from objective research results. The base is differences in perceptions between people and mistakes of subjective assessment. In this paper is presented preliminary analysis of problems and results of using lights during daytime in Poland in spring/summer period.