Emmitsburg, MD – The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), announces the release of the Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study (PDF, 2.2 Mb). The study report highlights the results of a U.S. Department of Justice - National Institute of Justice (NIJ) supported project intended to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders.

“With vehicle crashes and emergency responders being struck on the roadway being a major cause of on-duty fatalities, it is important to examine all technologies to reduce this tragic cause of death,” said USFA Deputy Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Justice’s NIJ support of this study that will benefit the fire and emergency services and law enforcement alike.”

"IFSTA was proud to work with USFA and the U.S. Department of Justice in this study to improve emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety,” said Mike Wieder, IFSTA Assistant Director. “We believe that the results of this study will enhance the safety of the fire service, law enforcement, and other emergency responders.”

The study report discusses best practices in emergency vehicle visibility and conspicuity, including cutting edge international efforts. It covers retroreflective striping and chevrons, high-visibility paint, built-in passive light, and other reflectors for law enforcement patrol vehicles, fire apparatus, ambulances and other EMS vehicles, and motorcycles.

The Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study and further information on USFA’s emergency vehicle safety projects may be found on the USFA Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/vehicle.shtm