Working at motor-vehicle accidents and other incidents along roadways is always dangerous. One of the biggest concerns is the need to warn, direct, and slow or stop oncoming traffic in order to protect personnel and equipment at the scene.

Here is a practical guide to a few traffic safety devices that can help.

Directional arrows. Warning approaching drivers of an incident along the roadway is one thing, but letting them know what to do about it is another. A single row of lights flashing in a sequential pattern across the rear of an apparatus is an effective way to notify oncoming drivers of the action they need to take before they reach the scene. The lights may be programmed to flash left to right, right to left, or center out and can be controlled by a switch in the cab.

Reflective striping. Modern apparatus are required to have one or more reflective stripes across a portion of the front, rear, and sides, as well as inside the cab doors. These stripes help make the apparatus more visible and define its shape. Diagonal reflective striping in an inverted V pattern on the rear is especially effective in alerting vehicles approaching from behind. Alternating red and yellow or red and white stripes have good contrast and high reflectivity to catch motorists eyes.

Area lights. White lights to illuminate the areas to the front, rear, and sides of an apparatus can make nighttime operations safer and more effective. Use diffuser lenses or aim the lights down at an angle to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. High-intensity scene lights on telescoping poles are effective in illuminating larger areas, while lower-intensity perimeter lights are best for lighting smaller areas close to the apparatus.

Traffic cones. Plastic orange traffic cones with reflective bands are an effective way to warn and direct traffic day and night. They can be set out in a diagonal line to merge traffic away from the scene, or used to mark individual hazards on the roadway, such as downed power lines. Cones are safer to use than flares, need no attention once they are in place, and the reflective bands show up in the headlights of oncoming vehicles at a greater distance than the reflective tape on apparatus.

Safety vests. Individual safety vests can be worn over street clothes, station uniforms or turnout coats. Their bright colors and contrasting reflective stripes make personnel more visible as they move about an incident scene. And because the vests are so lightweight, personnel are more likely to wear them in hot and humid weather.

Most traffic safety devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. More importantly, they can significantly reduce the potential for injuries when emergency personnel have to work along roadways.