Review of emergency vehicle warning lights brightness standards and differentiated operating modes for day and night

Question:

Ms Yeo Wan Ling: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs given advances in light-emitting diode (LED) and other lights used by emergency vehicles, (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed the impact of the brightness and flashing patterns of emergency warning lights on motorists' vision and road safety, particularly at night; and (b) whether different brightness levels or operating modes should be considered for daytime and nighttime use.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles are fitted with warning lights that comply with standards such as SAE J595 and SAE J845, which define the minimum brightness and flashing frequency required for these lights to work effectively as warning devices.

2. These lights alert other road users to give way, enabling emergency vehicles to move through traffic quickly and respond promptly to situations that threaten life or property.

3. These lights alert other road users to give way, enabling emergency vehicles to move through traffic quickly and respond promptly to situations that threaten life or property.