The best visible warning a fire engine can have – Fire lights
Active visual warnings are the flashing lights on many first response vehicles, fire lights are those on fire appliances such as trucks and engines. These lights are essential to warn other road users of a fire appliances presence.
There are two types of visual warnings on most first response vehicles, the active visual warnings and the passive visible warnings. The latter passive visible warnings are all of the markings on the vehicle itself such as reflective chevrons or checkerboard effects. The active visible warnings are all of the flashing lights and these are crucial in playing a part in safety and security of the personnel in the vehicle. The warning fire lights on fire vehicles will take the form of light bars or single beacons, and many vehicles will have both and other types of light.
Fire vehicles can have visor lights, dash lights and grill lights and all of these are used in conjunction depending on the situation. Responding to the priority calls needs both fire lights and sirens, as this is the only effective way to garner other road user’s full attention. The use of the flashing lights means the vehicle can be seen either approaching or stationary at a scene. The siren will warn that a vehicle is in the vicinity but could possibly not be in your direct line of vision. The audible siren and the visible lights are the perfect combination to ensure the road is cleared of traffic.
Many of the fire lights units now contain LED lights and that change has happened over the last few years. The LED lighting units use far less power than other forms of lighting and are therefore more economical and eco friendly. LED light unit prices have dropped and that coupled with the extreme brightness of the lights has meant a surge in popularity. The more visible a vehicle is the more likely road users are to see it either approaching from any direction or when it is already stationary in attendance at a scene. Rotating flashing lights can only mean one thing when we see them and that is an emergency.
You won’t always see a fire engine or appliance with flashing fire lights, as there are certain rules and regulations regarding their use. The differences in when and how to use lights and sirens is state regulated so will differ depending on where you live. Clearing a highway of traffic is no mean feat and the lights on fire vehicles are often employed to do just that. You should check out your state ‘Move Over’ law to see what is expected of you when you do see flashing lights on the road. Ignorance of the law is no defense if you are stopped for not adhering to the rules of the law.
Fire lights need to be carefully placed on the vehicles and in prominent positions so they can be seen from all angles. Lighting that is highly visible at long distances ensures we, the road users are aware of situations ahead and we can act accordingly to avoid becoming caught up in an incident ourselves. Responding to priority calls at high speed is a dangerous occupation and anything that helps fire fighters get to where they are needed safely is a must. The highly visible active warning lights of lightbars and beacons help keep our fire fighters safe.
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