Emergency Vehicle Light For All-Over Visibility
All operators of emergency vehicles know the importance of flashing emergency vehicle light when it comes to making the public aware of potential hazards, or even making them aware the vehicle itself. However, what happens when flashing lights and sirens are not in use? Emergency workers driving without proper lighting are taking risks.
An emergency vehicle needs to be visible from every angle. This means using an emergency vehicle light or several lights which are clean, in working order and can be seen easily by drivers and pedestrians. Other drivers need to be able to tell how large an emergency vehicle is, especially at night. Drivers waiting to pull out may misjudge how long it takes a long vehicle to pass them and pull out too quickly, or cars driving alongside may not give the vehicle enough notice. Emergency vehicle light both on the front and sides of the vehicle insure that it can be recognized no matter how someone is looking at it.
When flashing lights are in use, many experts agree that, for safety reasons, the emergency vehicle light at each corner should flash at the same time, rather than alternating. This makes it easier for traffic being approached from behind to tell what the vehicle is and how fast it is approaching. Most agree also that synchronized flashing improves on how fast others notice the lights and the vehicle.
There are times when on-scene that the vehicle’s regular lights don’t help medical workers or searchers enough, such as night-time vehicle collisions or search and rescue operations. Auxiliary emergency vehicle light like floodlights, spotlights, and side-mounted lamps greatly assist emergency crew with seeing at night. Medical personnel can see life-threatening injuries better and improve on-scene care with lighting that illuminates a wide area. Bright outside lighting at night exposes hidden obstacles or hazards for all types of personnel. Powerful beams are vital to police involved searching for a suspect in dark alleys, fields, or tree lines.
While no one will argue against a vehicle’s flashing or strobe lights being the first line in emergency vehicle light safety and visibility, those in charge of taking care of these vehicles should spare a few thoughts for how lighting can benefit the safety of all, even when the vehicle is not responding to an emergency.
