Released in August, the “Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study” seeks to expand efforts to improve roadway safety for emergency responders. (FEMA: “Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity.” FA-323/August 2009.) The report was produced in partnership between the U.S. Fire Administration and the International Fire Service Training Association with support from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. A few key findings:
- Increased use of retroreflective material enhances conspicuity of emergency vehicles;
- Visibility and recognition are important facets of emergency vehicle conspicuity; contrasting colors assist drivers with locating hazards “amid the visual clutter of the roadway”; and
- Fluorescent colors (especially yellow-green and orange) are best during daylight hours.
The study also cites several “opportunities” for improving vehicle safety, including:
- Outline vehicle boundaries with contour markings using retroreflective material;
- Concentrate retroreflective material lower on the vehicle to interact with vehicle headlights;
- Use fluorescent retroreflective materials where a high degree of day/night-time visibility is desired;
- Use high-efficiency retroreflective material to improve conspicuity and reduce the surface area requiring treatment; and
- Logos/emblems made with retroreflective material improve emergency vehicle visibility and recognition.
