Red-and-Blue Emergency Lights on Wilmington, N.C. Patrol Vehicles to Aid Visibility
The lighting configuration switch from all-blue to a red-and-blue combination aims to help drivers identify law enforcement more quickly.
Source: WECT ↗
Working to improve visibility during daytime and nighttime and in adverse weather conditions, the Wilmington, N.C. Police Department is converting its patrol fleet emergency lighting from single-blue to a red-and-blue configuration. The department is starting with unmarked vehicles and a motorcycle.
Following the initial rollout, marked patrol units will receive the new lighting. Red light improves visibility during daylight hours, while blue performs better at night and in adverse weather, the department said.
Chief Ryan Zuidema said recognition time will improve, noting that transitioning to red and blue emergency lighting helps with visibility and immediate recognition of the patrol vehicles. That helps drivers identify law enforcement more quickly and respond appropriately by shifting lanes, he said.
The retrofit sequence prioritizes unmarked units, since those are more difficult for motorists to identify during traffic stops. Marked cruisers will follow over the coming months.
The lighting change is part of the department’s modernization effort that has also included the recent addition of drones and virtual response training technology.
