Employment of New Technologies in Police Warning Lights
Police warning lights follow strict regulations outlined by the various local and state governments. Laws governing the use of such warning lights specify where the lights can be mounted on the vehicle, their intensity, and whether they should flash or burn nonstop. The purpose of the lights is multidimensional. First and foremost, the flashing lights and sirens are employed to get the attention of motorists on the road. Secondly, the lights warn the drivers of potential danger. Lastly, the lights tell motorists that they may need to give way or maneuver their vehicle out of the traffic and pull over on the side of the road.
Independent studies have found that certain types of flashing patterns and lights are better at getting attention than others. In an urgent situation, it is essential that a police get attention as quickly as possible, so it can get through congested areas rapidly and reach its destination. In critical situations every second counts, so the efficiency with which a police car moves through crowed areas is imperative. It has been found that the new LED, light-emitting diodes are more proficient in attracting attention than the old rotating beam warning lights. This is because the light they produce is of higher intensity than the light produced by the conventional type of police lights. This higher intensity light can be seen from greater distances than the light emitted by the old fashioned lights, thus giving motorists more time to react and move out of the way long before the police vehicle even reaches that spot. This means the police vehicle does not have to slow down while motorists are moving away at the last minute, thereby saving precious time.
The new LED technology is well suited to police work for a number of reasons. These LED warning lights are solid state; this means there are no moving parts and nothing to burn out, so they last a long time. This not only reduces cost, but reduces the amount of time the police vehicle has to be off the road and in the workshop for maintenance of the lights. Additionally, the LED lights use significantly less power than the old versions. This prolongs the battery life of the vehicle, while reducing the potential for electrical system failures. The LED lights burn cool, so no heat is produced. Also, LED warning lights can easily be programmed to flash in a large array of patterns.
The LED warning lights are very compact compared to the old models. It is possible to install them in such a way that they are flat on the roof of the vehicle. This fact is very beneficial when the stealth factor is desired. It allows the police vehicle to remain inconspicuous, until it is necessary to disclose their presence.
The LED warning lights, due to the fact that they can be miniaturized, are very beneficial when it comes to undercover police work or when short term lighting is required in unmarked police cars. Very small tubes called hide-a-ways can be installed in any discreet spot of the police car, like the headlight or taillight bays, or even the lamp corners. Inside the car, these lights can be mounted on the sun visor, rearview mirrors, and the front mirrors. In addition to undercover work, the additional lighting can be very useful during night duty on a dark highway or country road.
The latest addition to LED technology is the flexible LED strip. These lightweight, all weather flexible lights are convenient to carry or mount on a vehicle. They are ideal for outlining an accident scene during the night or when extra lighting is needed. They even have applications for discrete police work. The flexible LED strip warning lights can be easily manipulated to suit all needs and they can be mounted on a car in one easy step. These very bright and very cool strips are inexpensive and are suitable for all lighting needs. The best part is they can be cut to desired lengths at marked intervals and rejoined by soldering or using quick connectors at specified points. They are twice as bright as the LED rope lights. While the flexible LED strip is a fairly new product, its applications in police work hold a lot of potential.
