NCJ Number
83454
Date Published
1982
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship to fuel consumption and safety of the roof-mounted emergency light systems (visabars) on the police vehicles operated by the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement.
Abstract
Tests conducted by several different agencies have indicated that the removal of visabars can result in reduced fuel consumption by those vehicles. Analysis of accidents involving patrol units by the California Highway Patrol and the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement have indicated that visabars play no measurable role in reducing the potential for accidents of State police patrol vehicles. The experience of the Illinois State Police also indicates that unmarked vehicles are less likely than marked units to experience accidents. Unmarked and marked units have had similar experiences when involved in accidents. The fuel costs for the 1,005 Illinois vehicles equipped with visabars totaled about $2.6 million in fiscal year 1981. At current fuel prices, about 9 percent of this total could be saved if the roof-mounted equipment were removed. The cost of replacement equipment would be repaid by the reduced fuel consumption within 4 months of the conversion. The removal of this equipment would also result in improved vehicle acceleration and greater maximum speed. Accident rates should not increase as a result of the removal of the visabars. Tables, 20 footnotes, and appendixes presenting a map and calculations are provided. (Author summary modified)