When it comes to protecting first responders at accident scenes nationwide, brighter isnât better.
A recent study by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute revealed that the light-emitting diode flashers on police cruisers, fire engines, and ambulances that spray the night with intense beams to protect first responders from oncoming traffic actually create a lot of glare, and that effect intensifies when the light bounces off retroreflective chevrons attached to the back of emergency vehicles.
Calling their findings âsurprising,â the researchers determined that rubbernecking motorists can become blinded by the intense LED lights and wonât be able to see emergency personnel near the roadway.
The US Department of Transportation reports that vehicle accidents are the second most common cause of fatalities among police officers and firefighters, and the leading cause of death of tow truck operators.
