Led Lightbars - Just The Thing To Warn, Advice And Inform Other Road Users

By Author: Sunil Punjabi
Total Articles: 2565
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Emergency vehicles all have one need and that is the need to be highly visible on the roads, city streets and highways of our states. High visibility means one thing, increased safety for the crews in first response vehicles and for us the other road users and pedestrians. LED lightbars have come a long way since the first generation of lightbars. Initially the lightbars would have consisted of a block of 2 or 3 lights, and whilst that made the vehicles more visible, it just simply wasn't enough. The new generation of lightbars feature LED lights which give much more light output than old-fashioned tungsten or halogen lights.

The need to be seen is crucial for any first response vehicle, without that visibility they cannot get to where they need to be quickly. Flashing LED lightbars and the sound of sirens will make anyone sit up, take notice, and therefore move over quickly to let such a vehicle pass. It isn't just whilst emergency vehicles are on the move that they need the LED lightbars flashing, if a vehicle is stationary then they need hazard warnings. If you approach an accident at the roadside ...
... the first thing you are likely to notice is the flashing lights up ahead. What those flashing lights convey is that you need to take extra care and pay more attention as you approach.

Most states have specific 'Move over' laws which will specify what is expected of you as a road user if you encounter flashing LED lightbars and sirens. In most cases you will be expected to move into an adjacent lane where possible to avoid the stationary vehicles and personnel working ahead. The flashing LED lightbars at the roadside mean you need to take notice and act accordingly. The laws have been brought in due to the high numbers of emergency workers being killed at roadside. Failure to adhere to your states Move over law can result not just in a hefty fine of up to $1000 but it could mean the death of an emergency worker.

Many of the move over laws state that if you can't move to an adjacent lane to pass safely then you need to drop your speed to below the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop completely. Why anyone would choose to ignore any flashing LED lightbars at a roadside is beyond most people. However it does happen and hence the move over laws now being introduced. Vehicles and personnel of all types have been struck whilst working roadside and that means fatalities and a large number of injuries to people.

There are instances when you will see flashing LED lightbars on vehicles and the lightbars themselves will direct you. Many of the new lightbar units have traffic advisor lights that can be adjusted and changed to signify moving to another lane. You really need to drive with due care and attention when approaching any flashing lights on the highway. Take note of any flashing lights you see and you not only keep yourself safe but others as well. LED lightbars are excellent at highlighting a stationary vehicle, so ignore them at your peril.

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