The City of Greater Sudbury is rolling out three new ambulances with technology designed to increase their visibility on the roads and improve safety.
Blue flashing lights have been added to the current red flashing lights on three ambulances.
It is because the human eye sees blue more brightly at night, while providing a contrast with the tail lights of other vehicles.
The ambulances are also equipped with a new siren that drivers will not only hear, but feel.
"Our hope is that with the 'Howler,’ the people that are driving down the road will feel like a vibration, which will be out of the norm. And at that point, hope it will stimulate, or have them look in the rear view mirror and not only see the lights, but then pay attention." said Shawn-Eric Poulin, of the city’s paramedic services.
The city says the Highway Traffic Act was amended earlier this year to allow ambulances and fire vehicles to use flashing blue lights, which have traditionally been found only on police cruisers.
Going forward it will become standard equipment, as Sudbury's Paramedic and Fire Services get new vehicles
