Where Have All the Light Bars Gone?

Many years ago, when emergency medical care was far more limited than what is provided today, a large percentage of ambulances were based on Cadillac or similar chassis. Since there was less care rendered, less space was needed and more compact station wagon or early SUV type vehicles sufficed. One thing that was very common, however, was the presence of one or more rotating beacons.

Aside from directional flashing lights that provided warning coverage to the front, rear, and sides of vehicles, rotating lights allowed for 360-degree coverage. This type of coverage may not only be required by state statutes for emergency vehicles but often provides the only true visibility from various viewpoints such as 45-degree angles.

The Rise and Fall of the Light Bar

As EMS progressed, and vehicles became larger and more sophisticated in order to accommodate an expansion of care that continues to this day, individual rotating beacons often gave way to enclosed light bars. From earlier versions, such as the Twin-Sonic with rotating beacons and mirrors to ones that used multiple strobes to modern combinations that use many LEDs, true all-around coverage was still possible.

There seems to be a modern trend with light bars being replaced by multiple directional lights. Recent advertisements include variations of flash patterns, changing colors, synchronization, and other so-called advances, but rely on surface mounted lights that largely shine in one direction. This is not only true for ambulances, but also for police and other first-response vehicles.

Dazzling Displays

Look closely at many of these vehicles and note the multitude of LED lights mounted in or around the unit with one thing in common; they shine straight to the front, sides, or rear—much like the original flashing lights. Unlike those now somewhat primitive lights, newer models often have rapidly flashing arrays with multiple colors that provide a dazzling but not always cohesive display.

If you have encountered one of these light shows at night, was it easy to discern what you were approaching and if it was warning you to slow down and avoid that vehicle? Years ago, it was demonstrated that amber lights to the rear of an emergency vehicle tended to reduce secondary accidents by conveying a message of “caution,” yet you will often see a blur of red and/or blue lights. Primary lighting aids with efficient response while secondary warning modes provide better on-scene visibility and accident avoidance.

Why it Matters

There are stories posted on an all too frequent basis of emergency vehicle accidents, whether struck while stationary at a scene or while responding to an incident. Vehicles are more soundproof and drivers are more distracted than ever. The net effect of this is that our units are often neither seen nor heard as they were years ago with more primitive vehicles and systems.

Federal specifications, while not binding on most agencies, require a cohesive lighting pattern that indicates the outer boundaries of a vehicle combined with clear warning to the front and amber in the rear, and also note that “an emergency lighting system shall provide the ambulance with 360 degrees of conspicuity for

safety during its missions.”

In the past, flash patterns were usually set to allow adequate “dwell” time, which allowed the viewer time to ascertain what the source was. Unlike the slower and more controlled patterns of yesterday, there seems to be a trend towards faster and often more dynamic arrays.

The Results of “Progress”

In general, intersections account for approximately half of all traffic injuries and one-quarter of fatalities. Compound this with an emergency vehicle trying to navigate a “negative” intersection, where the normal right of way is not in their favor, along with a lack of effective warning, and there is a recipe for disaster. Assuming that the unit arrives safely at the scene, there will be a combination of conflicting demands for easy access and safety.

Limiting the discussion to ambulances, many cost in the $400,000 to $500,000 range yet often eliminate a light bar that might add less than a 1% cost to the vehicle. The multitude of lights mounted on the body might provide great directional warning but poor intersection protection. Their design and use might be effective at some angles during response but may not allow for rapid identification and protection at a scene.

The Modern “Ambulance Driver”

Early on, those who drove an ambulance often had little to no medical training but were experienced emergency vehicle operators. There was also an advantage of both adequate warning systems on the vehicle and less sophisticated vehicles with fewer driver distractions. We now have a situation with more costly but often less effective lighting and a provider who might be the least experienced at the wheel.

While there are movements from many to reduce the use of “lights-and-sirens,” often used as one word, a prompt and efficient response is often warranted, at least until the situation on scene is confirmed. A simple internet search will reveal many accidents where an ambulance falsely assumed the right of way at an intersection with bad results.

See No Ambulance, Hear No Ambulance

Driving an emergency vehicle is not an amateur sport. It requires degrees of awareness, maturity and experience. While many incidents may not warrant an emergency response, and very few require transport in that manner, EVERY incident demands that you arrive safely. Words like speed and rapid should not be in the vocabulary of the vehicle operator but replaced by a response that is targeted to the situation with an emphasis on SAFETY.

As you design the next vehicle for your service, think about all fields of vision that require adequate and comprehensible warning. Consider who is allowed to drive under emergency conditions and ensure that they have progressed through increasingly responsible steps to get to that point. Like dysfunctional families, learned behavior can sometimes lead to inappropriate actions. Try to ensure that senior personnel model good behavior. Properly designed warning devices coupled with responsibly trained operators can lead to improved safety.

Dark paint schemes seem to be trending, often with even darker markings. While many services still use basic white with contrasting striping, colors such as gray and black have become more common. Relying on warning lights alone may no longer be adequate. It doesn’t matter if you might think the siren is loud and the lights are bright, the vehicles that you are trying to warn may not see or hear you—drive accordingly and arrive safely.

References

Busch, J. 2015. Addressing Ambulance Safety. EMSWorld. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/article/12051684/ambulance-design-and-safety-standards

National Fire Protection Administration. 2024. NFPA 1900: Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. 2024. About Intersection Safety. https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/about

U.S. General Services Administration. 2025. FED-STD KKK-A-1822F. Federal Specification for the Star of Life Ambulance.