Culture|Garage

Police in Tulsa are testing a new device called “the rumbler” that not only emits a much louder and deeper tone than past sirens, but also will let motorists feel their seat vibrate from up to 70 yards away.

Cops say it’s useful for when people just don’t get out of the way or don’t notice the regular siren. Critics say it could cause hearing damage.

Each rumbler costs about $400 and is also in use in Washington, DC, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.

The real question is, can I get one mounted on my car? Then again, those soccer moms on cell phones probably need a tactical nuclear strike before they get out of the way.

The full story after the jump.

Tulsa police have a new tool that will definitely grab your attention.

It’s called ‘the rumbler’. Police just bought and installed three of them and they are getting three more. And, just try to ignore it.

It’s a siren that’s almost impossible to ignore. The low tone surprises many drivers, making them look up and pull over quickly.

“Do you notice anything different?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s a deeper tone than the normal one.”

And you don’t just hear the rumbler, you feel it.

“A little vibration in the seat and the car, not a big difference but enough to know they’re back there,” says Don Balenti.

And, that’s exactly why Tulsa Police bought the gadget. Officers say, even with their lights on and sirens blaring, drivers don’t notice their patrol cars.

“Just last week, I followed an individual from 21st to 51st on 169 with my lights and sirens on and they never knew I was there,” says Officer Harold Goad.

Drivers can feel the rumbler 50 to 70 yards away from the officer.

“I like it,” Goad says. “I used it this morning and yesterday and in one or two cases it was obvious the rumbler brought the attention to the driver.”

So much attention, it made us wonder — could the rumbler pose a health risk?

“I stopped an older lady this morning and I didn’t see any different reaction from her from the rumbler than my regular siren.”

Doctors tell us, they don’t know enough about the rumbler to make a comment. But, police say it’s like any high-tech sound system. The woofer and amplifier make you feel a slight tremor in your body.

“Were you startled by it?”
“Oh yeah. I was like ‘what the heck?’ I was startled.”

Each rumbler costs about four hundred dollars. Police will install the next three within seven to ten days.

Law enforcement officials in Washington, DC, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida are also using the rumbler.

Source: http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0108/488204.html

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