Blinded by the Flash: Why Emergency Lights Need a Reality Check | Monchster Chronicles

By Monch Henares

Imagine driving down EDSA, minding your own business, when suddenly—BAM!—you’re hit with a strobe light show that rivals the brightest club in Manila. Except, you’re not having fun. Your eyes squint, your head pounds, and you’re desperately trying to focus on the road while dodging not just traffic, but the blinding assault of unnecessary emergency lights. It’s like an involuntary audition for “Fast & Furious: Photosensitive Drift.”

But here’s the thing: we don’t need to endure this. There are safer, less seizure-inducing alternatives already lighting up roads around the world. The old-school rotating beacon lights, for example, offer continuous, smooth light movement without the jarring blink-blink-blink that could trigger migraines—or worse, seizures. Maybe its time we bring them back. Then there are steady-burn lights, which stay on without flashing, making them perfect for non-emergency situations like parked patrol cars or traffic enforcers on duty. Filtered LED lights with reduced glare and softer hues can also do the job, providing visibility without turning the highway into a disco inferno. Even adaptive lighting systems that adjust brightness based on time of day or traffic conditions are becoming more common, adding both safety and smart tech flair.

Now, what can the government do? First, enforce stricter regulations that limit flashing lights to actual emergencies. No more “VIP convoy” strobe parades unless someone’s giving birth in the backseat or there’s an alien invasion. Second, introduce penalties for misuse, like hefty fines or—better yet—mandatory community service directing traffic without the comfort of flashing lights. That’ll teach them! Lastly, launch awareness campaigns that educate both officials and the public on the dangers of overusing these lights. Picture billboards saying, “Your Lights Aren’t That Special—Use Them Wisely.” Catchy, right?

In the end, it’s all about balance: keeping emergency responders visible without making the rest of us feel like we’re trapped in an unwanted light show. Let’s save the strobes for the dance floors and keep our roads safe, sane, and seizure-free.