Distracted By the Light: Police Lights Play Role in Officer Safety
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010 ; 04:49 PM
Updated Wednesday, May 26, 2010; 09:16 AM
The type of lights police departments use, play a role in officer safety.
By Karen Kiley
Email | Bio | Other Stories by Karen Kiley
HARRISVILLE -- West Virginia State Trooper Andy Pringle was seriously injured when a car barreled into him during a traffic stop.
Researchers say police lights may be one reason those types of accidents happen.
In Cpl. Pringle's case, the driver was allegedly drunk, which is likely the main reason for the accident.
It also happened at night, when it was raining, on a two-lane highway. All of those factors played into the crash.
But according to some research, what type of lights a police department is using could play a role in safety.
Big, bright, colorful police lights: they are designed to be seen from a distance, to warn drivers of emergency activity. So, why do police continue to face dangers of on-coming traffic?
"I think a lot of it has to do with public’s interest in what we are doing. I think it is a natural human response, when they drive by a vehicle that's stopped, to look and see what's going on. And it's actually part of people's motor functions. You steer the vehicle in the direction you are looking," explained WV State Trooper Sgt. James Stout with the Harrisville Detachment.
West Virginia University professor David Martinelli agrees. He specializes in transportation engineering and highway safety and traffic operations.
He said drivers tend to go in the direction they are looking. But he say's there is more to it than that, and the police lights could also be creating a subconscious reaction.
"There have been some studies in several states, that show, indeed vehicles are drawn to these lights. So, as you are distracted by the red, blue, while, you are more likely, particularly if you are drunk, fatigued, or elderly, to be drawn into the vehicle," said Martinelli.
Several departments are combating that reaction by making changes to their lights, said Martinelli. Many are going away from the high-intensity strobe lights, changing the location of the lights on the cruiser and reconsidering the light color.
"Red in particular is a color that invokes emotion, in the very situation where you don't want people to respond with emotion," he said.
But WV State Police Troop 1 Commander Captain James Merrill says, red and blue lights are required under West Virginia state code. Instead, he says state troopers are using specially designed L-E-D lights that will maximize visibility without distracting drivers.
"The uniqueness of these lights we go to, is the further you are away, the brighter the light is. As you get closer to it, it's not as bright. So, therefore it does not distract you so you run into the vehicle," said Merrill.
There is a danger of the lights being too distracting, but according to Cpt. Merrill, the real threat to officers is not being visible enough.
"Normally what happens when a police officer is struck, it's because the person did not see the trooper along side of the road. These lights are designed to attract the attention," said Merrill.
Since nothing will prevent all accidents, troopers are taking extra precautions.
"Usually while we are asking for license, registration, proof of insurance, as we are scanning the car, we are also scanning for the roadway behind us for traffic that's coming up. And really in both directions, because you can't just assume traffic is coming from behind you," said Sgt. Stout.
With a growing number of distractions inside and out of the car to divert drivers' attention from the task at hand, it is likely police will continue to face the threat from traffic.
While troopers themselves are taking extra precautions, drivers should as well.
The tips for drivers are basic:
Slow way down whenever there is an obstacle on the side of the road.
Move as far away from the police activity as possible. In fact, on highways, it's state law to move over one lane when police are stopped along the road.
Finally, do not let the police lights be a distraction. Acknowledge the police presence and then look ahead to where you want to drive, not at what is happening on the side of the road.
Coming up Wednesday, we'll take a look at how your body language can have a big impact on where your car goes.
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010 ; 04:49 PM
Updated Wednesday, May 26, 2010; 09:16 AM
The type of lights police departments use, play a role in officer safety.
By Karen Kiley
Email | Bio | Other Stories by Karen Kiley
HARRISVILLE -- West Virginia State Trooper Andy Pringle was seriously injured when a car barreled into him during a traffic stop.
Researchers say police lights may be one reason those types of accidents happen.
In Cpl. Pringle's case, the driver was allegedly drunk, which is likely the main reason for the accident.
It also happened at night, when it was raining, on a two-lane highway. All of those factors played into the crash.
But according to some research, what type of lights a police department is using could play a role in safety.
Big, bright, colorful police lights: they are designed to be seen from a distance, to warn drivers of emergency activity. So, why do police continue to face dangers of on-coming traffic?
"I think a lot of it has to do with public’s interest in what we are doing. I think it is a natural human response, when they drive by a vehicle that's stopped, to look and see what's going on. And it's actually part of people's motor functions. You steer the vehicle in the direction you are looking," explained WV State Trooper Sgt. James Stout with the Harrisville Detachment.
West Virginia University professor David Martinelli agrees. He specializes in transportation engineering and highway safety and traffic operations.
He said drivers tend to go in the direction they are looking. But he say's there is more to it than that, and the police lights could also be creating a subconscious reaction.
"There have been some studies in several states, that show, indeed vehicles are drawn to these lights. So, as you are distracted by the red, blue, while, you are more likely, particularly if you are drunk, fatigued, or elderly, to be drawn into the vehicle," said Martinelli.
Several departments are combating that reaction by making changes to their lights, said Martinelli. Many are going away from the high-intensity strobe lights, changing the location of the lights on the cruiser and reconsidering the light color.
"Red in particular is a color that invokes emotion, in the very situation where you don't want people to respond with emotion," he said.
But WV State Police Troop 1 Commander Captain James Merrill says, red and blue lights are required under West Virginia state code. Instead, he says state troopers are using specially designed L-E-D lights that will maximize visibility without distracting drivers.
"The uniqueness of these lights we go to, is the further you are away, the brighter the light is. As you get closer to it, it's not as bright. So, therefore it does not distract you so you run into the vehicle," said Merrill.
There is a danger of the lights being too distracting, but according to Cpt. Merrill, the real threat to officers is not being visible enough.
"Normally what happens when a police officer is struck, it's because the person did not see the trooper along side of the road. These lights are designed to attract the attention," said Merrill.
Since nothing will prevent all accidents, troopers are taking extra precautions.
"Usually while we are asking for license, registration, proof of insurance, as we are scanning the car, we are also scanning for the roadway behind us for traffic that's coming up. And really in both directions, because you can't just assume traffic is coming from behind you," said Sgt. Stout.
With a growing number of distractions inside and out of the car to divert drivers' attention from the task at hand, it is likely police will continue to face the threat from traffic.
While troopers themselves are taking extra precautions, drivers should as well.
The tips for drivers are basic:
Slow way down whenever there is an obstacle on the side of the road.
Move as far away from the police activity as possible. In fact, on highways, it's state law to move over one lane when police are stopped along the road.
Finally, do not let the police lights be a distraction. Acknowledge the police presence and then look ahead to where you want to drive, not at what is happening on the side of the road.
Coming up Wednesday, we'll take a look at how your body language can have a big impact on where your car goes.
