Relates to blue lights on ambulances, emergency ambulance service vehicles and county emergency medical services vehicles

BILL NUMBER:S5483

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to blue lights on ambulances, emergency ambulance service vehicles and county emergency medical services vehicles

Purpose or general idea of bill

To better protect ambulances and other emergency service vehicles at night by giving them the option to use rear projecting blue-lights.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill amends section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to include ambulances among the vehicles currently given the option to utilize blue-lights.

Section two contains the effective date.

Justification

Ambulance workers regularly attend to emergency incidents on the state's highways. Performing emergency duties on the side of the road presents significant risks to them. Unfortunately, in these situations, many emergency responders are killed or injured as a result of being struck by a passing motorist. Studies have shown that the blue light is the most noticeable light, and as a result, provides the highest level of safety.

Current law allows for one or more blue lights or combination of blue, red and/or white lights to be affixed to a fire or police vehicle provided that they are displayed for rear projection only.

Studies conducted by Ford Motor Company and the Florida Highway Patrol clearly indicated that the perception-decision-response process in driving, especially at night, favored the blue light over other colors, particularly when approaching from the rear.

This bill would give the option for ambulances to be equipped with rear facing blue lights, extending the perceptual advantage attributed to them to ambulances.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.