A question for the EMS people

[Boomhauer]

In the car, I have noticed over the past few years the sirens on ambulances are much quieter than before. I can barely hear unless they are very close. Only a few years ago, I could hear them from a long ways away (had to be a couple of miles on a good day). I haven't gone deaf, and the car is not quieter on the inside (Same car for 16 years). What gives? I think it is a danger, particuarly with the idiots in the ricers and rolling boomboxes who jack up their music. In heavy traffic, I depend on hearing the vehicle approaching before I see it, so this is a problem.

I am in the areas of Georgia/South Carolina, so I don't know how it is for the rest of ya'll.

[MN_Strelok]

I don't know of any difference here. I'm guessing it's a local change.

Most local ambulances and squad cars use electronic sirens. Maybe the service(s) in your area have switched to a different sound set? I suppose it's even possible they've switched from mechanical to electronic.

It could also be a noise complaint issue. I couldn't really say for sure.

Our city cops started running lights only a couple years back, I think for noise abatement reasons. It annoys me quite a bit. Not so much because I don't see them coming, but because many people on the road have some kind of rearview deficiency. I often see a group pull over for the quiet cop, only to have some clueless driver pull out and get in his way. They'll hit the sirens when that happens, and sometimes for intersections. Then they'll switch it right back off. It's also sometimes hard to tell from a distance if the unit is pulled over or moving.

Real men still use the Federal Q (http://www.fedsig.com/products/index.php?id=111).  WheeeeEEEEEOOOOOOoooooh!

[Ned Hamford]

In the car, I have noticed over the past few years the sirens on ambulances are much quieter than before. I can barely hear unless they are very close. Only a few years ago, I could hear them from a long ways away (had to be a couple of miles on a good day). I haven't gone deaf, and the car is not quieter on the inside (Same car for 16 years). What gives? I think it is a danger, particuarly with the idiots in the ricers and rolling boomboxes who jack up their music. In heavy traffic, I depend on hearing the vehicle approaching before I see it, so this is a problem.

Hearing is the 3rd thing to go with the onset of old age....
 

Couldn't resist

 

[Moondoggie]

I've noticed this, too.

At first I thought it was the higher noise level in the cab of my 18 wheeler.  I've watched cops and meatwagons with lights flashing approach from behind on the interstate.  I couldn't hear the siren until they were right up beside my door.

I have my hearing tested every 2 yrs for my DOT phys, so it's not my hearing.

I've noticed the same problem in the car, too.

[Greybeard]

Quote: "I couldn't hear the siren until they were right up beside my door."

Not sure whether truth or trash, but seems like I read somewhere that at anything over about 55 mph, the sound from sirens just ain't gonna get to vehicles (moving at similar speeds) in front very effectively.

[K Frame]

Is it the sirens, or is it simply better sound insulation being used in today's newer cars?

[mtnbkr]

Is it the sirens, or is it simply better sound insulation being used in today's newer cars?

I haven't gone deaf, and the car is not quieter on the inside (Same car for 16 years)

Chris

[Brad Johnson]

Is it the sirens, or is it simply better sound insulation being used in today's newer cars?

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Brad

[AmbulanceDriver]

Is it the sirens, or is it simply better sound insulation being used in today's newer cars?

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Brad

BUZZZ


As has been pointed out above, he's been driving the same car for 16 years.  So HIS sound insulation hasn't changed at all.....

It's entirely possible that as part of some noise abatement scheme the siren volume has been decreased.  I know that in our jurisdiction, unless we're in very heavy traffic, we shut down the lights and sirens once we get on the freeway.  At 55 mph, because of road noise, other traffic, etc, the siren can really only be heard about 30 or so feet ahead of you.  Not exactly a lot of warning.  So people hear the sirens, look in the mirror, see the flashing lights, and then PANIC.  They either try to move out of our way too quickly and possibly cause an accident, or panic stop RIGHT THERE in your lane of travel.  I've been tossed around the back of a rig more than once because of that...  NOT pleasant. 

So to answer the OP, it's possible that the sirens are quieter.... 

[Matthew Carberry]

I've been tossed around the back of a rig more than once because of that...  NOT pleasant. 

Well, maybe you should stay out of the backs of police cars then...

Oh... ambulance, never mind.