To serve their purpose, sirens atop emergency vehicles must be loud enough to mask road noise, the buzz from car stereos, and a host of other sounds. Their blaring cries often cause momentary discomfort, if not lasting auditory impairment. However, recent figures from an Australian insurer could mean that hearing loss should be the least of driver concerns.
According to NRMA Insurance, drivers are confused by approaching fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles on a fairly regular basis. In fact, sirens can leave drivers so befuddled that they cause accidents.
NRMA averages about a claim each day involving New South Wales (NSW) drivers who were distracted by sirens. In 2008 alone, he insurance provider received approximately 300 related claims. Suzanne Jolliffe, a spokesperson for NRMA, attributes this alarming statistic to the fact that many drivers remain confused about how to react when they detect a siren approaching.
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