The conspicuity of first-responder safety garments

This study compared the conspicuity of three types of first-responder safety garments (NFPA 1971-2007 turnout gear coats, and ANSI/ISEA 107 and 207 safety vests).

Participants drove instrumented vehicles on a closed track during both daytime and nighttime, indicating when they could first detect pedestrians in a simulated emergency response scene. Pedestrians wore one of the safety garments and stood on either side of the emergency scene, facing or perpendicular to oncoming traffic, and either stationary or walking in place.

All three garment standards provided equal levels of conspicuity, in that the distances at which the pedestrians were detected were equivalent. Time of day was a significant factor, with longer mean detection distances being observed in daytime. Pedestrian orientation was significant, with mean detection distances being longest when facing traffic. Pedestrian motion did not result in significant differences in detection distance.

The results suggest that all three garment types studied are equivalent in making first responders conspicuous as pedestrians when working an emergency response scene in close proximity to traffic.

Whether an NFPA or ANSI/ISEA compliant is worn, first responders are equally likely to be detected by passing motorists, and as such these garments should be considered to be equivalent.