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I'm disappointed with Ford's version. Sure they work but Ford had an opportunity to make a design statement with the unique headlights but no, they decided to have 2 white dots. I think they failed.
The exotic looking LED running lights were impressive when they first appeared but the novelty has worn off now that everyone has them. The Ford lights are OK with me.
I dunno. Daytime running lights serve to increase other drivers' ability to see you during the day. By that metric I'd say they succeeded.
I like the various LED DRLs that I see on different cars and trucks, and it would be nice to have them on the F150. Not a big deal to me though, and I hardly consider them a failure. My '13 didn't have DRLs at all, so by that standard the '15+ are winning.
I just think Ford missed an opportunity for brand identification on the road. I know an Audi, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Corvette, Cadillac and others are coming towards me from a long distance. As I said, Ford has followed the letter of the law but could have done more.
I guess that is my product planning history looking for design hits and misses.
I get what you're saying and agree. My point was simply that they're functional, which is better than previous generations had. I'm not sure it's a legal requirement, but I like having them. My '15 Transit has DRLs, but it was a $45 option on the window sticker.
When I was in college years ago, I was taking a statistics class and one of the examples the professor gave was how the first study on daytime running lights was done by asking drivers if they leave their lights on and then comparing the results against their driving record. So because this was done before the whole "lights on for safety", the results are false because people that were already very cautious drivers (and therefore more safe) had their lights on. There isn't a direct correlation; no way of proving how turning your lights on made/make it safer. But this was back in the 90's, so maybe it's been updated since then.
I love LED lights, but nothing makes me laugh more than seeing how they fail. So me a car driving down the street with one LED DRL on and that's an Audi...how's that for brand recognition....
I don't know if it's required, but I don't know of a new vehicle that does not have DRL for quite a while now. The 2010 Tacoma does not have DRL, but we leave the headlight switch in the ON position all the time. It's got a dark-gray paint job (close enough to the color of pavement) that we like the additional visibility. It turns the lights off on its own.
I wouldn't be surprised if the aftermarket has some sort of switch to turn the LED outer into a DRL. Had something like that from Oracle for my Camaro.
I drive w my lights on 24/7. Really never been a fan of test or laws or stuff like that. I can see other peoples cars quicker when their lights are on. I can tell they are moving towards me and not parked on the side of the road quicker with lights. I presume other people with bad vision are the same. I know it's a fact, so even if it doesn't help you see, put your lights on if you live in south central Pa where I drive.
My '15 Transit has DRLs, but it was a $45 option on the window sticker
For one reason or another Ford has it as a fleet only option, so your van was originally ordered under a fleet code. We do this often if we have a regular buyer who gets a few similar vehicles each year. We get a few extra and end up selling em retail, but it lets us keep in stock what our regular customers take.
Also.. DRL only light up the front of your car/truck (no tail lights) so I prefer to just turn my switch to "on" regardless.