canyonblue said:By posting this you did notice, so in effect it does accomplish what it is intended to do, notice the airplane.
I'd notice the airplane without the light on. But do you really think it would prevent a collision in broad daylight?
I think they are turned on day and night to keep the flows the same, as someone mentioned earlier. That makes sense. But I don't think it would prevent a collision during the day. If you can't see a 737 coming at you closer and closer during broad daylight, byu the time you'd notice the wing inspection light it'd be too late.
However, at night it very well may reduce the chance of a collision - after you miss the strobes and beacon flashing, and the steady nav lights, plus landing lights.