NCJ Number
18566
Journal
State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 16 Issue: 37 Dated: (NOVEMBERDECEMBER 1974) Pages: 76-77
Date Published
1974
Length
2 pages
Annotation
A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEMS MOTORISTS MAY HAVE IN RECOGNIZING EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS (NBS) RECOMMENDATIONS ON EMERGENCY LIGHT SYSTEMS.
Abstract
IT IS STATED THAT EMERGENCY LIGHTS OFTEN BLEND INTO THE BACKGROUND OR ARE OBSCURED BY OTHER LIGHTS IN THE AREA. HOWEVER, LIGHTS HAVE BECOME PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AS EARLY WARNING DEVICES SINCE MANY CARS ARE ENGINEERED TO KEEP OUT EXTERNAL NOISES. THUS NBS RECOMMENDS THAT ALL POLICE VEHICLES BE EQUIPPED WITH A WHITE FLASHING LIGHT AND, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WITH RED AND BLUE LIGHTS. THE WHITE LIGHT WOULD BE USED AT ALL APPROPRIATE TIMES TO ATTRACT ATTENTION. THE RED LIGHT WOULD BE FLASHED WITH THE WHITE IN AN EMERGENCY, SUCH AS AN ACCIDENT, AND THE BLUE WOULD BE USED WITH WHITE IN A NON-EMERGENCY SITUATION, SUCH AS ASSISTING A MOTORIST WITH ENGINE TROUBLE. A BRIGHT CHECKERBOARD DESIGN PAINTED ON POLICE CARS IS ALSO RECOMMENDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)