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Blue Light
Hi, I am currently just about to get on a volunteer department from being a cadet. I was looking for some input on what type of blue light I should buy for my vehicle and what company would be the best suited to buy through. Any advice would be welcome.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on
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100 percent behind Reg's post.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Get priorities straight....Get some training....then AFTER the Chief issues you a Blue Light Card get shopping....I recommend an LED if financies allow...they are brighter and won't drain the hell out of your battery...LED Outfitters are a good source....as are Strobes N More......Welcome to the Family....stay safe always keep the faith...........Paul
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Permalink Reply by Forsaken Firefighter on
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At best, it may cause 1 driver out of 100(1000, 10000?) to yield to your vehicle.
The laws change state to state when it comes to that. In New York, as a courtesy, it is civil and neighborly, but not always required by law, to let a vehicle displaying blue or green courtesy lights pass, if it is safe to do so. In New Jersey it is required by law for drivers to yield to vehicles displaying a blue light. I do not live in ether one of those states but I looked it up. I would say look to see what the laws in your state are and if it could make a difference then go for it even if one car moves that just saved you who know how long. (it could have been a old lady out on a Sunday drive, just my opinion)
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Permalink Reply by Capt.Alex Arnold on
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Oh the time old debate about lights. I just can't help myself. I won't get in to tirade about POV and lighting. In fact I wasn't going to post at all, but then a comment that I saw made me go whhhoooaaa. I don't care about POV lighting. I am one of those follow the rules of the road kind of guy, in your POV. But I have heard this comment a couple of times...
The laws change state to state when it comes to that. In New York, as a courtesy, it is civil and neighborly, but not always required by law, to let a vehicle displaying blue or green courtesy lights pass, if it is safe to do so. In New Jersey it is required by law for drivers to yield to vehicles displaying a blue light. I do not live in ether one of those states but I looked it up. I would say look to see what the laws in your state are and if it could make a difference then go for it even if one car moves that just saved you who know how long.
Ok that is fine and dandy that there are rules and laws on the books, but come on really. Does that make a difference to the majority of the John Q. Public...wait for it...wait for it...ah now maybe you see what I see. If not, allow me to quickly explain. THEY DON"T GIVE A SHIT! Here in Washington State for instance. Today marked day 1 for our new electronic device law. This law makes it a primary driving offense if you are on a cell phone while driving. There has been a HUGE media blitz about this. In fact the only people that have not been exposed to this blitz are the backwoods peeps, guess what, they probably don't even have cell phones. So the general public is well aware of our new law. Guess how many people I have seen today on there phone while driving...I lost count after 60 some, this was in an hour and half time frame.
Rules are words on paper, sadly. We are a country based on laws and have grown in to a country that doesn't give a shit about the majority of these laws. I could go on for hours about this subject. My advice, be smart. Just because you have a flashing pretty light, and the "law" says they have to yield to me, doesn’t mean they will. It means you better not get caught with your head up your ass when driving your POV, because having your head up there is not a defense in court and it is a poor way to cover it!
Be safe and learn something new today.
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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on
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None. No lights. Zip. Nada.
You'll drive more safely to the fire hall and you'll usually get there just as fast as you would with lights.
Too many POV's get involved in collisions enroute to calls. Don't even tempt yourself.
Stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by Nick on
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i respect the notion of having no lights. it is a way of protecting yourself. Evan, basically any accident, ANY accident that you are involved in can and will be blamed on you.
Someone can claim that you caused the accident even if you had no direct involvement.
Extreme caution is needed.
However, having blue lights is not a bad idea, and there are times i save a couple minutes of my short route because i dont have to wait behind cars.
Many personnel will try to tell you to just drive like the little old lady on your street. Yeah yeah, this is the same as soccer moms in the mini vans. One second they are complaining of speed on their street, next they are on your street going twice the posted limit.
Buy one light for front windshield for vehicles in front of you. Show proper regard for other emergency vehicles, other civilian cars, trucks, kids playing in street, and road conditions. if you do this, you can make the call and be safe.
If they give you way, great, if they dont (and remember to assume they wont) then accept it and then continue response.
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Nick...Nice thought BUT...In NY you have to have 360 degree visability....as for the lights...Nice to have when you respond from home (some areas a need) and another responding unit can see where you are....Heck, we still have some people that don't even have 911 address posted on their homes...so yes, there are positives and negatives to having lights.....you still abide by the law either way......Paul
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Permalink Reply by Ernest Girardin on
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I used to have a rotator with a mirror that made it cross flash it worked very well . At one point it was found that if you were parked on the side of the road at night strobes attracted drunk drivers and they would aim for the light now I don't know if that is still true or not since Maryland dosn't allow vol. to have lights. A Chief and instructor once said and I will quote"The bigger the light the bigger the asshole" . The way the industry has changed you don't need a large light ,and remember in certain states its only a courtsey light ,therefore the public dosn't have to yeild the way for you. Certain states have diff. colors for diff. things Blue for vol.fire ,green for vol amb. was the norm. for NY. Other satate are diff. Check your Local Laws.
Be Safe ,Drive Safe
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Permalink Reply by Brian Mackie on
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NORM FOR PRESIDENT!!!
Exactly right Norm.
Also, while we are on the topic of changing mindsets...
basically anyaccident,CRASH ANYaccidentCRASH that you are involved in can and will be blamed on you.
Someone can claim that you caused theaccidentCRASH even if you had no direct involvement.
Extreme caution is needed.
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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on
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get a pancake dont go with a light bar
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Permalink Reply by WestPhilly on
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If permitted by your state vehicle code and your department, and you have the maturity and good sense to not abuse the dang blue light thingy, have at it.
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Permalink Reply by Davin Eshelman on
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There are a couple factors to look at when buying a blue light (my opinion).
1) Cost
2)Brightness (Maybe)
3) Vehicle Type
1) If your willing to spend a whole lot of money on a blue light fine. But if you're not then go with a small light like maybe a dash or a rotator. Then you could work your way up from there.
2) Some blue lights just arent bright at all. You want one that you can see in the day time, but then you would also want one that doesnt blind a person driving by you at night.
3) Some blue lights just look bad on a vehicle. If you have a car you don't want a big light. If you're wanting to but a light BAR, then it has to be the right lenght.
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