CHP light study

[Citabria7GCBC]

I have heard many times that CHP has been mentioned for having produced a study regarding emergency lights.

Where would I find that information? I would like to read about it.

Thanks

 

[John Hearne]

I haven't seen a CHP study. The Florida experiments can be easily found on-line. The paper that Whelen did in conjunction with Mass State Police is out there as well.

Regarding the Whelen paper, it limited itself to a fairly narrow set of circumstances: at night and on the shoulder. They liked alternating instead of simultaneous flash for a stopped vehicle. This doesn't mirror my experience as I've found the whole vehicle turning on and off together to appear to be a larger object and more visible from the distance. (Think of why the big "E" at the top of the eye chart is so visible). Since it was at night, there was no benefit to flashing red lights.

 

[TDC]

I haven't seen a CHP study. The Florida experiments can be easily found on-line. The paper that Whelen did in conjunction with Mass State Police is out there as well.

Regarding the Whelen paper, it limited itself to a fairly narrow set of circumstances: at night and on the shoulder. They liked alternating instead of simultaneous flash for a stopped vehicle. This doesn't mirror my experience as I've found the whole vehicle turning on and off together to appear to be a larger object and more visible from the distance. (Think of why the big "E" at the top of the eye chart is so visible). Since it was at night, there was no benefit to flashing red lights.

Interesting.
Hazard lights, red simultaneously flashing, the world-wide symbol of hazard, or, "I'm stopped," is exactly the opposite ... doesn't sell many auxiliary lights, though.

 

[tsquale]

I believe what you are thinking of is the CHP Twinsonic Light Study from 1983. There was a guy pedaling copies on ebay for $15 or so a while back. I have tried to get a scan of it from a few libraries in CA but none responded to my requests.

Twinsonic Light Study

books.google.com

 

[NPS Ranger]

Hazard lights, red simultaneously flashing, the world-wide symbol of hazard, or, "I'm stopped"

Only problem is, in most of the world outside the US, hazard lights are amber because most countries require rear amber turn signals.

 

[CHIEFOPS]

Amber signals caution

 

[shues]

Amber signals caution

Agreed. Red signals danger.

 

[Sigma Safety]

Agreed. Red signals danger.

...or stop, or the vehicle in front of you is stopping, or a turn signal. Red is used too frequently to have an instantly-recognizable message.

 

[NPS Ranger]

If you notice a little red dot in the center of your chest, I believe that's an instantly recognizable message.

 

[RCMoeur]

I have a copy of a warning light study performed by CHP back in 1971 (all the way back when Reagan was governor). I've posted its as a PDF on my website.

CHP Warning Light Study - 1971