How do the police /ambulance drivers stand the wailing of their sirens when they use it in their vehicles?

Question

It is very loud when you are on the street near a siren so its a wonder police/ambulance drivers don't go deaf listening to that awful screech.

Answer 1

I am a police officer who regularly uses sirens to either gain priority travel or intercept vehicles. I believe that the pitch of the siren attracts more attention than the volume. We can change the pitch pattern by beeping the horn in order to attract further attention, for example when approaching an intersection. I believe that as the sirens are on the roof facing forward, that the sound waves are aimed at those we are approaching. The siren is definitely audible within the cabin of the vehicle, but not any more noticable then the volume that a lot of people play their radios.

This is evident by the number of people who do not realise that a police car is following within a couple of metres of them, yet fail to give way. It probably seems louder to someone standing out in the open, not enclosed in a vehicle.

Answer 2

Police Siren Wail

Answer 3

It depends on where the siren speaker is mounted. Police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks tend to have siren speakers that are mounted at the level ov the bumper, in front of the passenger compartment. This reduces the noise level heard inside the cabin. Also the speaker itself is a conical shape pointed forward, so that is where the majority of the sound travels. Combine that, with the fact that the windows are rolled up, very little sound is heard. Although, there is obviously an audible sound.

Answer 4

The sirens in our cruisers are in behind the front grill of the car. The sound gets projected forward and actually isn't that loud inside the car.

p.s.
A few years ago they were on the roof and the noise was so loud you couldn't use your siren and radio at the same time (which makes it kind of interesting to call out a pursuit!)

Answer 5

Actually, to tell you the truth, it really isn't all that loud on the inside of the vehicle. Yea, you can hear it. But it isn't as loud as it is outside the vehicle.

Another thing that helps them stand the sound is the whole adrenaline thing. When they are running code to some sort of call, they get pretty excited and anxious and the siren is one of the last things they notice around them. Kinda like it almost disappears...haha

Answer 6

I have never been in a cop car with the sirens on, so I cannot really say, but I have ridden in an abulance with the sirens on, and it is a bit quieter inside, then it is on the outside. And other then the drivers, I know on some "rigs" many of the ppl wear ear plugs, especially on fire trucks that have little to no inside area.

You do eventually adjust to it though. I know it sounds strange, but your body gets used to hearing it.

Answer 7

I'll tell you what we can do for you. If you were in my jurisdiction, I would make a note about you and your residence and pass along to everyone who might make an emergency run to your home. Then, if we should ever get a call at 2:30 in the morning to your home, we will ensure that we quietly start up, quietly as possible raise that squeaky old bay door, drive very carefully, obeying the speed limit to the very tick...even if it's 20 miles per hour, come to a complete stop at each and every stop sign, wait at every red light while it dutifully holds back no one coming the opposite way on the empty streets, and hen come strolling up your street, not wanting those pesky old 300 HP diesel engines to disturb your neighbors (after all, isn't that the NEXT thing they would want to complain about?) And you get all your neighbors and friends to agree to all that and we'll take those noisy old sirens and pesky old flashing lights off. Then as you or your spouse or child lay gasping for air and turning blue on your bathroom floor while your spouse or child screams helplessly "PLEASE DON'T DIE!" be assured we are getting there just as quietly as possible!!!

Answer 8

Most of us like the sirens...but the speakers face foward, so its not as loud, and with the windows up its less loud. However, if the windows are down when the siren is on, enough exposure can cause damage to hearing.

Answer 9

Its not that loud inside of the vehicle, especially if you're travelling fast on the road in a pursuit. There's usually so much radio traffic and other noise that its not that bothersome.

I never understood those that use them when they really don't have to though. They may be the kind of cops/ emergency responders who get off on that sort of thing.

Answer 10

Its directed away from the vehicle so its not that loud on the inside. usually the adrenalin is going to so you hardly even notice the sound.