Chevrons on the rear of apparatus, your thoughts?

The 2009 version of NFPA 1901is going to mandate chevrons on the rear of apparatus, like they do in Europe. I think it's a great idea who's time has finally come. I'm sure many FF's and civilian's lives will be saved by this. We need to be visible out there. Some F.D's have been doing this for a while, (see the JPG below). What do you think?

0 members like this

Attachments:

visible.jpg, 144 KB

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Huw Jones on April 27, 2008 at 3:18pm

A great idea. they look good and anything to help scene safety, but I am very cynical in my belief that if the drivers out there do not see a big red/white/yellow/whatever trucks with many flashing lights, chevrons are not going to make a difference.
In a lot of cases the drivers blind spot is a 360 degree area.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on April 27, 2008 at 4:33pm

When you add alcohol, a driver is more likely to drive towards the pretty flashing lights of a fire engine or police car. (I read a study on that) The chevrons will be one more tool in our "safety tool box". Stay safe!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Matthew J Strausbaugh on April 27, 2008 at 5:19pm

I don't like the French... Whatever they do is bad... If they do it, I don't like it... But I suppose if NFPA says it needs to be, so be it... It really is a good thing... I believe the Brits started it, the French could never come up with something like this... I'm kidding, but I really don't like the French.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joel on April 27, 2008 at 5:25pm

If it saves lives I am for it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by LEO AFD389NY on April 27, 2008 at 7:28pm

I THINK THAT IF IT SAVES ONE LIFE IT IS REAL WORTH IT. IT WILL BE A GREAT ITEM FORTHE BACK OF ANY FIRE VEICHLE.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Don Zimmerman on April 27, 2008 at 9:05pm

I like it, you can sure see the back of the rigs. Now if we can train the drunk drivers, have to pass the crash a high speed drivers, and lookieloo drivers to not drive or drive right then maybe we will not get hurt. Terrible important to the positioning of appratus so the apparatus is the stop sign all 25 tons of it. Trucks are real easy to fix firefighters are not.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jason on April 28, 2008 at 3:42pm

This is a great idea my dept recently started doing this for all of units that run on the interstate. It improves the visibility of your apparatus for oncoming traffic. i been on the interstate plenty and have some close calls just by getting out of the truck and the reason they say that they almost hit us is they can't see the truck.The plain fact is lights are just not enough their like a magnet for traffic to hit us . Take care and be safe!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tom Chmielowiec Jr. on April 28, 2008 at 3:51pm

i think this is a great idea, sure i have herd that it looks like crap, but it can save lives and thats what it is all about...Omnis Cedo Domus "Everyone Goes Home"
Tommy Jr.
Omnis Cedo Domus

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Oldman on April 29, 2008 at 8:30am

It is one of the few changes I agree with. It is already included in The National Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), of course each state has their own based on the federal statute. Any new apparatus or ambulances we purchase will have them in the spec NFPA or not. At least it will be a little less diamond plate to polish.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Engineer k7 on April 29, 2008 at 11:52am

I'm for it 100%.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Greenman on April 30, 2008 at 2:28am

I say it's about time!

GM

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shayne L. Nelson on May 1, 2008 at 12:42pm

I would have to say that I agree with NFPA on this. It is all to often when an emergency vehicle is struck and the driver always has the same answer. " I just din't see it there".
So to make departments go to this standard is a great I dea. The cheveerons on the back of tha apparatus would make the visibility a lot better and make a scene at night that much more safer for those of us that have to be out there. The only thing I wish they would do is make this a mandatory change for ALL apparatus in service. I mean not a sudden change but put in a strict guidline that within the next five years all apparatus that is are in service must be compliant to thia statndard. i know there a lot of low budget departments out there, mine included, but my thought is is loosing a life on a scene worth saving a few hundred dollars.