What does the US DOT MUTCD say about emergency light use?

What does the US DOT MUTCD say about emergency light use?

• A. Use emergency lights as necessary to reach the incident but reduce on-scene; reduce forward-facing lights to avoid interference.
• B. Keep all emergency lights on at full power at all times.
• C. Use only red lights.
• D. Never use emergency lights.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that emergency lighting is used to warn and move traffic so you can reach the incident safely, but you should manage the lights to avoid creating glare or interference once you’re on the scene. The MUTCD supports using lights to get to the incident as needed, then dimming or reducing intensity on-scene, especially for forward-facing lights, so approaching drivers and on-scene personnel aren’t blinded or distracted. Keeping lights at full power all the time isn’t required or advisable, and lighting isn’t restricted to only red; never using lights would defeat their safety purpose.

The main idea is that emergency lighting is used to warn and move traffic so you can reach the incident safely, but you should manage the lights to avoid creating glare or interference once you’re on the scene. The MUTCD supports using lights to get to the incident as needed, then dimming or reducing intensity on-scene, especially for forward-facing lights, so approaching drivers and on-scene personnel aren’t blinded or distracted. Keeping lights at full power all the time isn’t required or advisable, and lighting isn’t restricted to only red; never using lights would defeat their safety purpose.