| Title | Effectiveness of Audible Warning Devices on Emergency Vehicles. |
|---|---|
| Record ID | 42585 |
| Personal Name Creator |
Potter, R. C.; Fidell, S. A.; Myles, M. M.; Keast, D. N. |
| Source | 150p. in various pagings |
| Corporate Contributor |
Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, inc. |
| Publisher | John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.) |
| Publication Date | 19770801 |
| Language | English |
| Abstract | The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of audible warning devices (AWD's) on emergency vehicles in terms of aural detectability. Community noise intrusion and opportunities for AWD optimization were also investigated. Measurements were made of sirens, automobile insertion loss, and human detection performance in real-life and simulated situations. Warning effectiveness distances were calculated for three representative situations: (1) Rural environment with vehicle windows closed and radio on; (2) urban environment with vehicle windows open and radio off; and (3) suburban environment with vehicle windows open and radio off. It was concluded that reliance on present audible warning devices to warn drivers in traffic is not justified. To be loud enough to warn in all ordinary circumstances, the sound level of audible warning devices would have to be increased greatly -- producing intolerable community noise. Present audible warning devices can be improved; more uniform horizontal forward radiation and higher frequency sounds would increase detectability. The analysis procedure can provide the basis for an objective measure of audible warning device performance. |
| Rosap ID | dot:9457 |
| Rosap URL | https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/9457 |
| TRT Terms | Auditory perception; Emergency vehicles; Grade crossing protection systems; Sirens; Warning systems; Loudness; Sound level; Human factors; Noise |
| General Subjects | Auditory perception; Emergency vehicles; Highway-railroad grade crossing; Sirens (Signaling device); Loudness; Sound analyzers; Human factors in transportation; Noise |
| Classification | NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors; NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Highway Safety |
| Geographical Coverage |
United States |
| OCLC | 3576287 |
| Contract Number | DOT-TSC-868 |
| Report Number | DOT-TSC-OST-77-38; PB-274 567 |
| Availability | Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center |
| Resource type | Tech Report |
| URL | https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/42000/42500/42585/DOT-TSC-OST-77-38.pdf |
| Format | |
| Database | NTL Digital Repository |