Some vehicles require beacon lights in order to guarantee their visibility and safety while on the road. You have surely observed them on tow trucks, construction equipment, and emergency vehicles. Have you ever thought about the reason behind some of these red lights? Let's delve into it.
Visibility is the main goal of beacon lights. These lights work well for vehicles that need to be seen fast, such as snowploughs clearing slippery roads or ambulances heading to an emergency. Because they indicate "caution" or "slow down," which is useful in most circumstances, amber lights are the most often used.
Red is a color that demands attention. It’s often associated with urgency and danger, which is why it’s used for specific situations. While amber lights generally say, “Be careful,” red lights mean, “Move aside now!” You’ll mainly see red beacon lights on emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances, and sometimes police cars. These lights signal that the vehicle needs to get through traffic quickly because someone’s life might depend on it.
Emergency vehicles are typically equipped with red beacon lights. To let other drivers know they need to make room, fire engines, ambulances, and certain police cars use them. That flashing red light is an indication to slow down and give them space when you notice it.
On occasion, trucks transporting specialist rescue equipment or hazardous items may also be equipped with red beacon lights. The red light in these situations serves as a warning to stay away.
Even in dim light, red is a hue that our eyes pick up on fast. Because of its strong association with danger, it's ideal in circumstances requiring quick response. A red beacon light is like a visual alert that says, "Pay attention!"
In Summary
Red beacon lights are crucial during emergencies, despite amber beacon lights being more common. The purpose of these red lights is to notify other drivers to change lanes, regardless of whether they are on an ambulance, fire truck, or a vehicle carrying dangerous materials.
