The Use of Emergency Light For Vehicles
There are two kinds of emergency lights, though both kinds have different functions. The first type consists of emergency light that is used in buildings. This lighting is common in high-risk task areas, emergency escape routes, or even standby lighting. The second type of emergency light is that, that is used in vehicles. Emergency vehicle lighting comes in the form of strobes, dash lights, deck lights, bumper lights, and visor lights.
The Purpose of Emergency Lights
The purpose of emergency lighting on buildings, is to either, highlight the high-risk areas of a building, or illuminate emergency escape routes, to enable safe navigation out of the building, in times of danger. On the other hand, emergency light on vehicles has the purpose of warning motorists, of an impending emergency, which might require them to be more vigilant on the road, and give way, for the quick and safe passage of emergency responders.
Emergency Vehicle Lighting
Emergency lights are a common feature for emergency response vehicles, such as police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks. Each of these vehicles should be fitted with these lights, in such a manner that, they are clearly visible from a distance, when in use, and are able to be easily identified by other motorists. In this respect, various jurisdictions have legislation in place, which guides on the kind of emergency light that can be fitted, for the different emergency vehicles, in terms of the range colors , and the position to be fitted.
Fitting Emergency Light on Vehicles
As mentioned earlier, state or federal regulations may sometimes guide on what color of emergency lights should be fitted on various vehicles, and how the fitting should be done. Apart from legislation, emergency vehicle lighting is fitted, according to personal preference, and convenience. The various points on a vehicle, where emergency lights can be fitted include headlights, bumper guard, taillights, grille, dashboard, deck, visor, and car rooftop.
Police cruisers, ambulances, tow trucks, and fire trucks, by design, are supposed to be easily identifiable. Therefore, it is common practice to have these vehicles mounted with emergency light bars on the roof of the vehicle, and have optional lighting, in the form of headlight and taillight flashers. On the other hand, there are vehicles that are used by federal and civilian security agencies, which may be used for undercover work. These vehicles are meant to operate like any normal civilian vehicle, and should only break their cover, when necessary. Therefore, such vehicles are fitted with less conspicuous emergency light bars such as grille lights, dash lights, headlight flashers, or a detachable strobe emergency light.
The Technology Used In Making Emergency Light Bars for Vehicles
In the past, most emergency vehicle lights consisted of a single rotary incandescent light, similar to the modern day, detachable strobe light. The advancement in technology, however, necessitated the invention of a more effective alternative, in the form of LED emergency light. LED technology is relatively cheaper, requires little or no maintenance, is long lasting, and a highly efficient source of lighting. These properties have made LED, the preferred choice in making emergency light bars for vehicles.
