Apparatus Visibility Report Released by USFA

January 28, 2013

Sources: EMR-ISAC, USFA

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) released a guide highlighting a study of emergency vehicle markings, lighting, and design for greater visibility. The guide “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.”

The overall intent of the study was to identify ways to increase visibility of emergency vehicles to motorists approaching them, especially to try to limit rear-end collisions. It focuses on emergency vehicles not covered by existing standards, and gives many photos of markings on a variety of emergency vehicles, including examples of international emergency vehicle markings compared to those in the U.S.

Click here to download the PDF, which can easily be used as a reference aid.

The guide was produced with support by the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice, and in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association’s Emergency Responder Safety Institute.