Emergency Vehicle Lighting: Valuable Protection for Public Safety
One of the most vital contributing factors to the safety and effectiveness of a police, fire, or first response vehicle is the emergency vehicle lighting present both inside and outside the car or truck. Emergency vehicle lighting is typically designed for maximum visibility during both day and night; for this reason it is available in a variety of colors and configurations designed to provide consistent, brilliant illumination even in the most challenging conditions. In many cases, emergency vehicle lighting includes floodlights mounted on the roof or side of the vehicle in order to provide additional visibility in dark or obscured areas; these are usually referred to as takedown lights and are one of the most important emergency vehicle lighting solutions available to first responders.
Deciding on the right types of emergency vehicle lighting for a particular use can be challenging. Emergency vehicle lighting configurations vary considerably from company to company and type to type; lightbars are obviously one of the most popular and widely-used types of emergency vehicle lighting and are available in a wide range of colors and configurations. For instance, tow trucks and road construction vehicles typically feature amber-colored emergency vehicle lighting, while police cruisers use blue and red bulbs and white strobe lights to alert the public to their presence. The wide selection of colors and styles makes these emergency vehicle lighting installations versatile additions to the overall public safety and visibility package for most agencies.
LED lights are a solid choice for environmentally conscious emergency vehicle lighting; LED technology minimizes the heat produced by light installations and reduces the overall energy costs associated with these warning devices. LED emergency vehicle lighting is based on light-emitting diodes, which use a chemical reaction to produce brilliant light in a variety of hues. LED devices typically are lighter in weight and take up less space than other types of emergency vehicle lighting. This reduces overall drag on the vehicle and makes LED emergency vehicle lighting a good choice for interior use, since it is easily portable and can be temporarily installed wherever it is needed most.
The type of emergency vehicle lighting required depends on the law enforcement or public safety agency and the specific uses to which the vehicle in question will be subject. For instance, a search and rescue truck will likely require emergency vehicle lighting that incorporates a floodlight and flashing lights to help the driver get through traffic rapidly, while fire trucks and ambulances require highly-visible red and white lightbars and other visibility enhancers. Regardless of the type of emergency vehicle lighting required, however, public safety agencies should invest in the highest quality and most durable lighting solutions in order to ensure the safety of first responders and citizens alike.
