While FIRE Panel maintains that our testing in November
2003 was the most accurate, real-world, worst-case scenario
test conducted yet, we have now found even more compelling
footage - an actual accident with a FIRE Panel equipped CVPI
captured on an in-car police video camera from Memorial Day
2004.
The incident occurred around 7 am on the morning of May 31,
2004 in Johnston County, North Carolina. A North Carolina
State Trooper had pulled a minivan over for a traffic stop
along I-95 with a second NC Trooper responding as backup.
During the stop a pick-up truck drifted out of the traffic
lanes, sideswiping the backup unit and making hard contact
with the rear of the lead unit.
The accident was clearly videotaped by the in-car camera in
the backup unit, showing the pick-up's impact into the lead
car and the subsequent burst of fire suppressing powder
released from the FIRE Panel. The video continues on to show a
cloud of powder lingering around the lead unit even after it
had come to rest.
Fortunately, neither State Trooper was critically injured.
According to the Troopers' accounts and the video footage, the
FIRE Panel functioned exactly as advertised, protecting the
officer from fire resulting from the accident.
FIRE Panel is proud of our product and we have gone to
great lengths to test its ability to enhance the safety of the
CVPI in situations such as these. However, the real world
demonstration of the panel's ability to effectively disperse
fire-suppressing powder during the accident on May 31, 2004
clearly answers any criticism of the responsiveness of the
technology. To receive a copy of the in-car video when it
becomes available, along with the FIRE Panel test footage from
November 2003, please contact us at (888) 282-8394 or at
info@firepanel.net.
