Who Helps Keep First Responders Safe?

Posted by Elite Internet Technologies on December 7th, 2016

Many involved in around the emergency vehicle lighting industry are familiar with the safety regulations set by the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE (check out our previous blog specifically about SAE). But what other groups or organizations help to assemble the guidelines used to regulate emergency vehicle lighting not only nationally in the U.S., but internationally as well? While such factors like which color, type, and intensity of emergency vehicle LED lights are often determined by state, the reasoning up until recently, has been based largely on tradition.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is part of the United States Department of Justice, is one such group that helps to add research-based analysis and evidence for shaping emergency vehicle lighting codes. Their main goal is to fund research in key areas to increase the safety and visibility of first responders while performing their duties.

A 2009 analysis of the data revealed the number one killer of police officers while in the line of duty is being struck on the side of the road. As a result of that finding, the NIJ specifically funded research into what can be done to increase first responders’ visibility to drivers.

Through that research, it was found that different color and intensity LED lighting used for emergency vehicle lighting offer different rates of visibility to a driver. For example, they found blue lights are more visible, no matter the intensity or time of day. Findings like these can help to improve the guidelines used by regulatory bodies.

Another such group that helps to standardize safety protocols internationally is the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). For 43-years the nonprofit technical organization has been committed to improving society and business, and applying standards and ratings to protect workers, consumers and the environment throughout Europe. They also regulate safety standards for emergency vehicles using LED lights.

Organizations like these play an important role in providing first responders across the globe with the best tools for the job, based on continued research and understanding into the ways in which safety can best be promoted. For more information please visit www.lightsnmore.com