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State and some counties starting to utilize flashing green lights on winter road maintence vehicles - video
Craig Routzahn
Wed, 07 Dec 2016 09:23:54 EST
New green flashing lights are being incorporated on winter maintenance vehicles in Michigan this winter. And while motorists are used to green meaning go - in this case, green means slow down.
In an effort to reduce crashes, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and several Michigan county road commissions and municipalities will be using green and amber lights that may be flashing, rotating or oscillating on 70 percent of their winter maintenance vehicles.
"Our visual system would be more attracted to a bright green light versus a bright white flashing light in a heavy snowstorm," said Dr. Bernie Tekiele of the Michigan Eye Institute. "Our visual system is piqued to be sensitive to the green/yellow spectrum."
Studies suggest that humans can differentiate more shades of green than any other color. Better visibility with green lights means safer roads for winter maintenance workers and motorists. The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) has been piloting the green lights for the past two years with great success.
Wider use of the green lights is a result of legislation sponsored by Rep. Rob VerHeulen of Walker that amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow for the use of the color green on maintenance vehicles.