New Guide on Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle Visibility

EMMITSBURG, Md. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association’s (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute, announces availability of a guide to help emergency services departments increase the visibility of emergency vehicles to motorists in order to keep responders safe during roadway operations.

"The USFA staff is pleased to release this guide in support of our goal to reduce the number of emergency vehicle crashes and injuries to all emergency first responders," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. "We are grateful for NIJ’s continued support of this effort and for the work of the CVVFA to the benefit of the fire service, EMS and law enforcement personnel at work on our nation’s roadways."

Vehicle Marking and Technology for Increased Highway Visibility – A Reference Guide for Decision-Makers provides information on best practices in the application of various arrangements of emergency warning devices, creative use of retro reflective decal markings and other innovative designs - all with the intent of increasing the visibility of emergency vehicles to motorists approaching them. It focuses on emergency vehicles not covered by existing standards in this area.

"Enhancing the operational safety of law enforcement officers and firefighters is a major priority of NIJ," said John H. Laub, Director of the National Institute of Justice. "We place a premium on partnerships like this one with the USFA because they multiply our ability to prevent accidents and save lives."

"CVVFA is pleased to release the results of this project that will support the decision makers in local fire, police and EMS departments on ways to enhance the emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety of their organizations," said CVVFA President Steven L. Haines. “We are grateful for the support of both USFA and NIJ in this effort to enhance the safety of emergency responders."

Further information on USFA's emergency vehicle and roadway safety research initiatives may be found on the USFA website.

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