In an age when most cars are equipped with computers that control the most important functions of their engines, how can we justify enduring the 18th century technology of emergency vehicle sirens blasting at levels not tolerable even under factory noise level regulations. I live in NYC and must deal with loud sirens several times each day. If the vehicles are driving next to you, the experience is literally painful. Sirens cause confusion and more traffic congestion for drivers trying to get out the way while stopped at a red light, especially when dealing with pedestrian traffic in their way.
How hard would it be to install in cars a cheap radio receiver tuned in to a frequency only emergency vehicles are allow to transmit? The receiver could be connected to a light on the dashboard of the car or it could be wired to the carís emergency lights indicator. Stoplights can be tuned to the same frequency, stopping traffic at intersections and giving a green light to the emergency vehicleís right of way.
The benefits go beyond improving the aural comfort of pedestrians; it would probably help emergency vehicles move faster. The stoplight would accommodate the moving of traffic, easing the flow. The dashboard indicators would also get the attention of drivers whom sirens miss anyway. For example, drivers with their music blasting and windows up, who donít hear the emergency vehicle until appears in their rear view mirror.
Implementing the system would not be complicated for 2 main reasons:∑The technology is very cheap and long established (radio technology) and would only cost a few bucks per vehicle.∑It can be implemented incrementally since it doesn't need to be all in place in order to begin to payoff.
Here are the possible steps for implementation:∑First equip emergency vehicles with the transmitter, beginning with the fire vehicles and ambulances.∑Install receivers on the stoplights with the most traffic, moving progressively to other city intersections.∑Mandate automakers to make the emergency radio receivers part of the standard safety features of all new vehicles.∑At the time of inspection retrofit all old car models with a modular radio receiver that can be mounted onto the dashboard or wired to the emergency lights indicator of the vehicle.
The whole program could be implemented in 2 years or less.
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I think that's a great idea. I don't know how many times I've wished for that when I'm on my way to the hospital with a patient. If the radio in the car would turn up and say; " Emergency Vehicle Approaching Pull to the right! " that would be the cat's meow!! Thanks for a great idea.
That's a great idea and if in the car, the announcement can state from which direction the ambulance is coming, that would be ideal! I've been at intersections in the city and not known from which direction the ambulance is coming, and therefore didn't know whether to get out of the way or stay stopped. And you're right, for pedestrians, that siren is blaring!
One of the problems is that radio is usually non-directinal and probably could not be restricted to the street on which the emergency vehicle is traveling. Perhaps an alternate more workable solution would be flashing signs along the thorofare that could be more directionally activated.Inbetween the corner flashing signs would be special yellow lights on each lamp post that would flash in coordination.That way the system would not depend upon individual drivers receiving the message and the signals could be restricted to the several blocks ahead of the speeding emergency vehicle.
In-general it is a good idea, and I like it as a suppliment to the siren. But there are still bicyclist, pedestrians, and animals that are "coming around the corner" and are not yet in view of the emergency vehicle.
The danger involved is that emergency vehicles are often traveling in an unknown environment faster than they are capable of stopping safely. The siren is a warning to get out, and stay out, of the way; not just a curtousy system. And in complex situations like in the city, there are those who simply ignore anyone or anything that might inconvenience themselves. So having something painful as a reminder to comply is not all that bad. Also, the cost of retrofiting all vehicles including motorcycles and bicycles is a bit problematic. And as for signs, there are too many as it is.
I appreciate the idea and the supplements suggested by Evangline & sand and the criticism from junkstopshere. If all vehicles in the neighborhood driving with closed windows would get the indication inside, the loudness of the siren could be reduced so that all others outside (cyclists, pedestrians) can still hear the siren. But I guess not all vehicles will be equipped with some kind of receiver unless this were mandatory.