Drivers do not yield to emergency vehicles because of the modern features of the car
JOPLIN, Mo. — With each passing year, passenger vehicles are increasingly equipped with the latest technology available to drivers. This also includes technology that cannot be seen, such as noise dampening materials used in vehicle construction, blocking out road noise and keeping the vehicle interior as quiet and comfortable as possible. But the new noise-canceling technology comes with unintended consequences, such as drivers struggling to hear oncoming emergency vehicles.
Emergency responders in Newton County say they’ve seen firsthand this new sound-dampening technology backfire when responding to a call.
“I’ve been responding in emergency vehicles for about 30 years, and we’ve found that some of the newer passenger vehicles seem to be more soundproof, and that’s why we see delays when approaching a vehicle with lights and sirens. Drivers don’t they don’t stop or move, in fact most of them don’t do anything,” said Paramedic Scott Cranford of the Newton County Ambulance District.
“I’ve been doing this for many years and it seems that those of us who have been in emergency services longer have seen this trend increase: people are not paying attention and moving to the shoulder like they used to as well. Obviously, a of the factors is that they just don’t listen to us,” said Fire Chief Steve Coats of the Redings Mill Fire Protection District.
According to Car and Driver, some of the quietest cars on the market based on professional testing are:
- Audi A8
- Mercedes-Benz S550e
- Kia Optima
- Cadillac CT6
- Tesla Model S
- Lexus GS
- Audi A6
- Let it be K900
- Toyota Prius
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For some, the obvious answer for drivers who can’t hear the sirens of oncoming emergency vehicles would be to make them louder. However, the acoustic consulting website, Acentech, says that raising the decibels of police, fire and EMS parents does not solve the problem that soundproofing technology has created. The website claims a mermaid that she is too The loudness can damage pedestrians’ hearing, startle drivers into making bad driving decisions and make it difficult for emergency responders to hear other sirens, which they say can be very dangerous when entering an intersection.
To get the attention of drivers, emergency responders have options in how they use sirens. Several agencies are now using a “rumbler” siren on their emergency vehicles. The buzzer produces a low frequency pulsating sound and is used in conjunction with a standard high frequency siren. This type of siren causes a vibration, attracting the attention of those who many not be able to hear a typical siren. While the rumor is no used by Redings Mill Fire or the Newton County Ambulance District, emergency responders have ways to get drivers’ attention.
“Safety is the most important aspect of the response, and we want to make sure the public is safe too. So we have a number of ways to use the air horns and vary the different types of siren tones when we approach an intersection or approach an unresponsive driver. If we see someone not moving, or moving in the wrong direction, we’re very cautious when we approach,” Cranford said.
Emergency responders say soundproofing technology isn’t the only high-tech feature in newer vehicles that makes drivers unaware they’re approaching fire trucks and ambulances. Their number one concern: drivers distracted by their phones.
“I think people are paying less attention to emergency vehicles in general. That might have more to do with distractions, because there are so many distractions these days, especially all the things new cars can do, but the biggest distraction that I see is from cell phones,” said Fire Chief Coats.
“When I respond to calls, I see a lot of drivers who are on their cell phones, whether it’s a phone call or texting. I would say that distracted driving is more prevalent than ever,” Cranford said.
