A new police siren that can be felt through closed windows and inside homes and office buildings has provoked opposition, reports USA Today. Called the Rumbler, the speaker system emits a low, stomach-thumping moan that makes it more noticeable than the high-pitched wail of the traditional siren. Police departments say the Rumbler gets the attention of drivers whose hearing can be impaired by blasting car stereos, cellphone gabbing, and personal music players. “It has the potential to save lives,” says Capt. Jim Wells of the Florida Highway Patrol, who helped develop the Rumbler.
“If they want to get people’s attention, there are a lot of ways to do that rather than creating a lot of obnoxious noises,” says Aaron Friedman of the Silent Majority, an anti-car alarm group in New York City. “It’s all a question of people being able to go about their lives and not be harassed.” At least 60 police departments have purchased the $350 device, according to Rumbler manufacturer Federal Signal. The company’s Tom Morgan says the product is not so disruptive as critics say.
Link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-02-07-rumbler_N.htm