Official "Whacker" or "Screwed Up Install" Thread

[unlisted]

You do know sirens are not effective at highway speeds right...? Mechanical sirens are a fraction more effective however they still get overdriven quite quickly.


All in all you just need good pre warning (sign boards, construction signs, lane closure signs, arrow boards etc) and good construction markings and crash trucks blocking any lanes. Have a pd unit with lights active if one wants (drivers sometimes will heed emergency colors better than amber) but the pre warning and lane closure arrow/crash trucks are paramount.


Oh and proper pylons as well.

 

[Skip Goulet]

I agree with Aggmeister.  Using the siren while the vehicle is stationary defeats its entire purpose: that of an approaching emergency vehicle on an emergency run.   I would bet that drivers in that area don't even hear the sirens until they're right on them, and then it's too late.  Electronic sirens at highway speeds are almost totally ineffective.  Qs and Super Chiefs fare a bit better, but not much.  I can't count a number of times when I'd be on an emergency run on the highway and be right on someone's bumper with a Q peaked and be totally ignored.   One of the most effective warning tools we ever had was an old Mars DL8 "figure 8" light...the precursor to the 888s.  The DLs had a bulb-reflector setup and most came with an 1195 bulb, like those used in the lollipop lights.  This one had a 1019 bulb from a junior beacon ray light, and it made that old Mars light very, very bright.  One night a deputy I knew saw us coming out of the racetrack and, not having anything better to do at the moment, decided to escort us....much to my surprise.  And on the straight-away part of the highway and once we got onto the Loop he took off like the proverbial scalded-ass ape! It was all I could do in the rickety old station wagon ambulance we had at the time to keep up with him.  Once we arrived at the ER and had turned the patient over to the ER staff we came back out and the deputy was still there. So I asked him why he was in such a hurry.  He said that he was just trying to stay ahead of that bright "wobbly light".   Got his attention, so I'm sure it got others' too!

 

[rwo978]

Aggmeister 2010 I would love for you to accompany me on a freeway closure on I10 or over on i45 and then you'll be in a position to decide when we should use our sirens. You'll either grow balls or turn and run when you really realize how dangerous it is to work highway construction jobs. The majority of the incidents where officers are hit are due to driver inattention (texting) and alcohol intoxication. Sure people cannot see the lights especially when they are not looking at the road. I worked the job during the 99/i10 fly over construction. Because we had a ton of lights and both front & rear facing siren speakers belching 100 watts of warning sounds from each end is what kept us safe. The incident of officer involved accidents were minimal on the Katy freeway job.

:blink: :blinkhuh: :squint: ................................................................. :uhno:

opcorn:

 

[Mrlunchbox]

:blink: :blinkhuh: :squint: ................................................................. :uhno:


opcorn:

Ha ha. Can't wait to read this!!!

 

[aggmeister2010]

Aggmeister 2010 I would love for you to accompany me on a freeway closure on I10 or over on i45 and then you'll be in a position to decide when we should use our sirens. You'll either grow balls or turn and run when you really realize how dangerous it is to work highway construction jobs. The majority of the incidents where officers are hit are due to driver inattention (texting) and alcohol intoxication. Sure people cannot see the lights especially when they are not looking at the road. I worked the job during the 99/i10 fly over construction. Because we had a ton of lights and both front & rear facing siren speakers belching 100 watts of warning sounds from each end is what kept us safe. The incident of officer involved accidents were minimal on the Katy freeway job.

Hey man, do whatever you need to do to feel safe. It's no skin off my ass. Normally I see those POVs facing the direction of traffic, so their sirens are facing away from oncoming traffic and most likely wouldn't be heard until after the driver passes the POV...it just seems like a lot of noise for not much added security.  But like I said, I'm not the one out there on an active freeway, so whatever makes you feel more comfortable is the way to go.  I don't contest that construction jobs are intense - hell, the stuff going on with 290 is nuts!  

 

[Txgunslinger]

The 290 area is especially dangerous because of the drunks in the area. I was hit head on at 290/ Magnum . drunk was driving 10/mph ran thru the baracades . I was facing oncoming, Under overpass. Our speakers are facing rear and front. We get complaints but I'll assure you they hear it when approaching . I did en experiment. I was driving at highway speeds and my son was following in his car playing his radio 1/4 mile back and I turned my siren on. I did not tell him I was going to do it and he called me asking if I activated my siren. He heard it over his jams. That satisfied me as to its effectiveness.

 

[Skip Goulet]

The 290 area is especially dangerous because of the drunks in the area. I was hit head on at 290/ Magnum . drunk was driving 10/mph ran thru the baracades . I was facing oncoming, Under overpass. Our speakers are facing rear and front. We get complaints but I'll assure you they hear it when approaching . I did en experiment. I was driving at highway speeds and my son was following in his car playing his radio 1/4 mile back and I turned my siren on. I did not tell him I was going to do it and he called me asking if I activated my siren. He heard it over his jams. That satisfied me as to its effectiveness.

One of the most dangerous areas I used to see was on the north side of Plainview where Bus. 87 connected to Hwy 87 (now I-27). People forever ran the stop signs there and got clobbered.

As to hearing sirens: Back in the '70s a buddy of mine ran the ambulance service in Clovis, NM.  I had made a trip over there on business in my '61 Buick ambulance that had a roof-mounted Q along with twin beacons and other lights.   I went on a couple of runs with him, one of which was an elderly lady who had fallen and hurt her hip. Later in the day they decided to transfer her to Lubbock.  Since I was by myself I couldn't make the transport, so I ended up following them back. They had chosen not to run hot since the lady seemed to be o.k.; but going into Muleshoe she started to hurt again. He called me on the radio and told me to light my rig up and stay with him.  His unit was a Pontiac Consort that had a Federal Director with an  underhood speaker.  People in front of him weren't moving, so he asked me to roll my Q over. I was glad to oblige and people 6 blocks down the road started pulling over.  Those things can be heard!

 

[aggmeister2010]

The 290 area is especially dangerous because of the drunks in the area. I was hit head on at 290/ Magnum . drunk was driving 10/mph ran thru the baracades . I was facing oncoming, Under overpass. Our speakers are facing rear and front. We get complaints but I'll assure you they hear it when approaching . I did en experiment. I was driving at highway speeds and my son was following in his car playing his radio 1/4 mile back and I turned my siren on. I did not tell him I was going to do it and he called me asking if I activated my siren. He heard it over his jams. That satisfied me as to its effectiveness.

If they're complaining, then they can definitely hear it!


I'm in shock regarding how TRADECO set up the temporary no-acceleration-lane entrances around pinemont, tidwell, and gessner headed westbound on 290.  People come to a FULL STOP, wait for a gap that's inevitably too small, and then accelerate too slowly.  It's either a Medic's worst nightmare or a Extrication Tech's wet dream.

 

[Skip Goulet]

If they're complaining, then they can definitely hear it!


I'm in shock regarding how TRADECO set up the temporary no-acceleration-lane entrances around pinemont, tidwell, and gessner headed westbound on 290.  People come to a FULL STOP, wait for a gap that's inevitably too small, and then accelerate too slowly.  It's either a Medic's worst nightmare or a Extrication Tech's wet dream.

A couple of months ago TXDOT put up four-way stop signs unannounced on East Loop 338 in Odessa.  A friend of mine was on h is way to work at St. Elizabeth's Church on the NE side of Odessa and was hit at that intersection.  That was only a mile or so from the church and the pastor, Fr. Mark, got there in time to anoint him.  He died a few days later.   Now there are signs all over the place warning of her impending stop.

 

[cgb]

Ladies and gentlemen...

For worst patterns of the century, I present for your consideration...

Everything Illinois State Police has purchased recently:

https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisStatePoliceCruiserPage/videos

Good lord...

 

[unlisted]

Ladies and gentlemen...


For worst patterns of the century, I present for your consideration...


Everything Illinois State Police has purchased recently:

https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisStatePoliceCruiserPage/videos


Good lord...

page not found.

 

[firemedic10584]

The  motorcycle unit is the only one that looks like it is synced and proper flash patterns used. 

 

[MtnMan]

Stealth mode. That was easy.

 

[Skip Goulet]

Stealth mode. That was easy.

Brake Light Cutout.jpg

One of your installs?

 

[JohnFireFan]

Mini van 7 enroute....

http://youtu.be/xQijuwRXmnk

 

[Jarred J.]

"got these here lights from tractor supply"

 

[RightEZ]

Mini van 7 enroute....

http://youtu.be/xQijuwRXmnk

If that's the best car setup he knows of around there then we need a full firehouse video.

 

[MtnMan]

One of your installs?

Jealous of my skillz, eh?

 

[SomeBloke]

Mini van 7 enroute....

http://youtu.be/xQijuwRXmnk

He mustn't know that many other Firefighters...

 

[bluestinger90]

Ladies and gentlemen...

For worst patterns of the century, I present for your consideration...

Everything Illinois State Police has purchased recently:

https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisStatePoliceCruiserPage/videos

Good lord...

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=559180804208538&set=vb.345555598904394&type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

Here's a great example.

 

[firemedic10584]

Mini van 7 enroute....

http://youtu.be/xQijuwRXmnk

"you can get all of this for only 200 dollars....maybe 250...." 

Hey, cheap out on your safety....it'll really break the bank later on!

 

[RescueWV]

Mini van 7 enroute....

http://youtu.be/xQijuwRXmnk

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

It wouldn't be half bad if he ditched the "Amazon" and "Tractor Supply" lights and left it with just the dash and deck lights...

I LOVE the painstaking detail he goes into explaining how he can turn the front and rear on/off independently and why that's necessary "in case someone says, 'hey man, your lights are too bright!'"

 

[unlisted]

.... "in case someone says, 'hey man, your lights are too bright!'"

said no one ever about his vehicle.... Save for his imaginary friend.

 

[Skip Goulet]

If they're complaining, then they can definitely hear it!


I'm in shock regarding how TRADECO set up the temporary no-acceleration-lane entrances around pinemont, tidwell, and gessner headed westbound on 290.  People come to a FULL STOP, wait for a gap that's inevitably too small, and then accelerate too slowly.  It's either a Medic's worst nightmare or a Extrication Tech's wet dream.

On my way into town this afternoon on I20 eastbound into Midland there were two large TXDOT trucks that had a tractor with a mower right in front of them.  The two trucks had their warning lights on, but there was absolutely no advanced warning of what these guys were doing. People were hitting their brakes and having to scoot over to the right lane, myself included.  It's a wonder someone wasn't hit.

 

[jph2]

Saw this clown on I-96 westbound yesterday.



The guy had "To Serve and Protect" on the doors where you'd expect a security company name.

Despite this dystopian promise from Big Brother and the fact Mr. Wannabe was going at least 85, I didn't see him on the side of the road later on waiting for his just due karma.

 

[HILO]

Saw this clown on I-96 westbound yesterday.

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The guy had "To Serve and Protect" on the doors where you'd expect a security company name.

Despite this dystopian promise from Big Brother and the fact Mr. Wannabe was going at least 85, I didn't see him on the side of the road later on waiting for his just due karma.

P1120486q.jpg

I don't really see much wrong with that car.  It's clearly marked as security, and has a cheap bar on the roof, and otherwise looks beat down.  The B/W is a little off putting but over all, its a security car. 

 

[MtnMan]

The guy had "To Serve and Protect" on the doors where you'd expect a security company name.

If you look closely, it says,

TO SERVE Big Macs by day AND PROTECT the mall by night

 

[jph2]

I don't really see much wrong with that car.  It's clearly marked as security, and has a cheap bar on the roof, and otherwise looks beat down.  The B/W is a little off putting but over all, its a security car. 

While you could be right, I think not. Crappy paint job. No company name on the car. No contact phone number. And a non-commercial vehicle plate. I think a reputable security company would have one or more of those even if they can legally use the non-commercial plate. Wish I'd gotten a look at the driver to see if he was uniformed; security guard companies have to have red and white half-moon patches in Michigan.

 

[7d9_z28]

What area of 96 was he? I will have to watch for this...

 

[justavillain]

Same here..... I feel that's the nomans land between coopville and marne


But m39 is Southfield mi

 

[7d9_z28]

Same here..... I feel that's the nomans land between coopville and marne


But m39 is Southfield mi

Marne is still nomans land

 

[justavillain]

True.....very true


On a side note I'll have 1 of our engines(alpine e8)in the Coopersville parade on the 5th if you are there keep an eye out for it

 

[7d9_z28]

Coopersville has a parade?

Hmm.

Well I met a whacker today... Fully loaded to the gills Liberty he built on his companys beat up pickup... A cable company contractor. I didn't get a picture though, Im kind of ashamed...

He had it all amber except the corners, which are RED and not legal...... He claims he is a reserve officer across the state, but I asked if he could use his work truck for that... and he said no...

 

[jph2]

What area of 96 was he? I will have to watch for this...

It was on I-96 westbound, I think in the vicinity of the Saranac rest area, so maybe mile 63?

Same here..... I feel that's the nomans land between coopville and marne


But m39 is Southfield mi

The variable message sign pic by M-39 was taken the day before Thanksgiving; not MDOT's best PR work in their choice of wording IMO. I added the sign pic to the wannabe pics in an attempt to express my disappointment there wasn't very much enforcement out on Thanksgiving day even though I was told to expect it. As a result, I didn't get the opportunity to be thankful seeing that guy pulled over. Besides speeding, he was hanging in the left lane, so possible two citations there.

 

[Jarred J.]

Ill upload the pic later but this weekend I was behind a red pick up with a large cb antenna on his cab with a fed sig highlighter with another smaller cb antenna behind it. the "club" he belonged to was 40 miles away in Rutherford county, and he had a Bedford county tag (the county we are in)

it had skywarn stickers all over and on the tailgate it had a website www.angryweathernetwork.com

and a magnetic sign for "sarah personalized gifts"

 

[Skip Goulet]

Ill upload the pic later but this weekend I was behind a red pick up with a large cb antenna on his cab with a fed sig highlighter with another smaller cb antenna behind it. the "club" he belonged to was 40 miles away in Rutherford county, and he had a Bedford county tag (the county we are in)

it had skywarn stickers all over and on the tailgate it had a website www.angryweathernetwork.com

and a magnetic sign for "sarah personalized gifts"

That website is non-existent. I tried to find it and it went straight to "Go Daddy's".

 

[EVT]

Dealt with this gem today. One of the area "installer's" fine work.... As usual I get the call to fix things that aren't working...Hmmm I wonder why? It's a miracle this thing hasn't burned down yet.

 

[Skip Goulet]

Dealt with this gem today. One of the area "installer's" fine work.... As usual I get the call to fix things that aren't working...Hmmm I wonder why? It's a miracle this thing hasn't burned down yet.

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You may have seen me post about this before.   In '71 a friend of mine in Lubbock bought a '61 Pontiac ambulance that had come from Clovis,NM.  It came with triple beacons and a Q roof-mounted, and my friend added a 77G doubletone siren to the rt. fender, a Federal Director, twin blue lollipops between the Q and front beacons and twin Fireballs over the rear door.  I had my standby ambulance service running at the time and this guy would back us up.  He was also the first black police officer at Texas Tech, and when he'd get tied up on weekends I'd get the big Pontiac and take it to the races, as I loved driving that "big rig". My ambulance was the smaller '63 Pontiac Consort at the time. So one Saturday night we had a kid get hurt during the motorcycle races and we were in the big '61 Pontiac.  Just as we got on to the main part of the highway headed in to town I let loose on the Q to clear traffic and all the red lights quit!   They came back on a bit later then quit again.  My best friend Tom was a news photographer and had his 16 mm camera and sun gun with him; so out the window went the sun gun and that cleared traffic!  The next day we all went to my friend's house to see what had caused the problem. We traced the wiring from the switch panel and found that all of the wiring from the panel terminated in one spot, with all the wires twisted together and shoved up on a "hot spot" on the underdash fuse block.  Talk about a major short waiting to happen!  We rewired the whole mess, going up under the hood to a large heavy fuse block. Problem solved and we never had problems again.

 

[Bobcat753]

Here's one from truck n tows calendar. Don't know if its fictional or not.

 

[Eric1249]

If you want to see a lot of split fail, terrible patterns and overkill just look through some

the installs on some of the Facebook pages. Guys love them and it is the land of knock off

lights.