Accidents can happen any time of day, any day of the year. Those who wish to help others in need should always be prepared for the worst. Amber emergency vehicle lights are designed with this end goal in mind.
The function of an amber emergency vehicle light is to alert other drivers in advance so that they can safely pull over or change lanes and avoid a collision. Amber lights are also useful in non-emergency situations such as construction sites when motorists need to slow down ahead of time. Here are some tips on finding the best amber lights on the market.
Price
In most cases, more expensive is better as far as quality goes. Still, it pays to shop around for a good deal from an online retailer or brick-and-mortar store. A high-quality amber light bar can go for around $1,000.
When doing research, look closely at product specifications to get the most accurate picture of what a given item offers. You also might want to look for products that come with a warranty, just in case you wind up with a defective one.
Beam Angle
The beam angle is the width of an amber light’s beam, measured in degrees. A larger beam angle means that drivers will see the lights from a greater distance.
An amber LED light bar with large angles is ideal for motorists who need to change lanes or need to slow down to safely navigate a construction site or similar situation where they might otherwise collide with another car. You can expect to pay more money for a product with a large beam angle.
Quality and Durability
Since amber lights are used outdoors, they should be very durable and withstand weathering and wear and tear over time. Professionals often use heavy-duty options that can easily take abuse and keep on working even after being dropped or struck.
To find out how durable a given item is, always go by its product specifications. Pay special attention to what it’s made of, and any design elements that may or may not increase durability. For example, stainless steel housings tend to last longer than those made of plastic.
Mounting Bracket
Amber lights typically come with either adhesive or swivel mounting brackets, depending on the customer’s preference. Adhesive mounts feature an industrial-strength adhesive backing that makes it easy for users to stick them in place on their vehicles. They typically last a good long while, even when exposed to extreme temperatures and weathering.
On the other hand, swivel mounts have rubberized ball-and-socket joints that allow for greater flexibility in where drivers can place them on their vehicles. The downside to this mounting option is that drivers who don’t get the angle just right might not be able to see the lights, which defeats the very purpose of getting them in the first place.
Colors
Amber lights are most commonly red, although they can also be yellow, orange, or blue. They should only be used when the driver’s car is stopped.
A red light signals drivers to stop, while a white light means that a driver is going. Yellow emergency vehicle lights signal slow down while green emergency vehicle lights mean that the vehicle is preparing to go. Lastly, an orange light means proceed with caution.No matter what you do, never buy a blue emergency vehicle light. This is reserved solely for law enforcement vehicles, so drivers know to get out of the way.
Reviews
If possible, always consult online reviews before buying an amber emergency vehicle light. Doing so will give you access to valuable feedback from other professionals who have used the product in the past.
While some manufacturers may tell you that their products are better than others, you’re not going to know for sure until you read through at least a few customer reviews and comments. They also offer valuable insights into what other professionals think of a specific item, which can help you make an informed decision about whether or not the product is well worth the asking price.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that amber lights are beneficial for maintaining the safety of drivers and passengers. Whether you work as a tow truck driver, garbage collector, or construction worker, they can make your day-to-day job safer and more efficient.
You can find many different amber emergency vehicle lights online and at various retailers, but you should always consider the factors mentioned above before buying one.