Achi news desk-
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) said it will be piloting a project that will include blue lights on several of its vehicles, with the goal of increasing safety, especially in cases where crews are working on the side of busy roads.
The idea for the initiative came from a senior firefighter and was supported by Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness. The CFD said it recently received provincial approval for a one-year pilot project.
Officials with Calgary fire said research shows that “blue lights significantly improve visibility in low-light environments, including inclement weather.”
During the trial period, blue lights will be fitted to 11 engines and one rescue vehicle. Reporting protocols will be in place to track all incidents involving collisions or near misses for fire engines with blue lights. This data will be important in assessing the impact of this initiative on overall safety outcomes.
The 12 vehicles selected by the CFD are machines that respond to a high number of motor vehicle collisions in high traffic areas, such as along Deerfoot Trail.
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The blue lights will only be activated when the fire engine is parked.
The lights will be fitted to the front and rear of the engines, improving visibility and alerting motorists to the presence of emergency responders on the road.
“The safety of our CFD personnel is paramount, and adding blue lights to our fleet is an important measure to improve their visibility and safety while on duty,” said Deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts.
This initiative follows similar protocols recently introduced for tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.
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