We all know the situation when you’re cruising down the highway in the fast lane, but traffic suddenly slows. In the distance, you see road crews and familiar LED flashing lights at work.
Those bright beacons make maintenance and recovery vehicles visible so nobody is hurt. Their intense illumination cuts through weather and natural lighting to effectively inform drivers and protect road crews during highway operations.
Types of LED flashing lights for highway roadworks
These potentially life-saving lights are variable in size and color. Yet, they are used by all road maintenance crews with the same intention – to keep highways safe when some job is underway. To bolster visibility, you can install LED flashing lights as:
- Warning lights. Nothing beats them when cautioning other drivers that there are workers or temporary obstructions on the road. Their beaming color can be seen during daytime and nighttime hours. These lights can be mounted on recovery trucks, road construction, and special-purpose equipment – not to mention barriers, signs, and cones.
- Beacon lights. By default, these are rotating LED flashing lights used as warnings or to attract attention. They feature high-intensity LED bulbs that emit light in all directions. Beacons can fit the bill for notifying drivers that your crew is working ahead or that your wrecker is moving.
- Arrow board lights. These lights direct traffic with illuminated arrows. They are ideal for lane closures, detours, and directing traffic around work zones. LED arrow board lights are programmable, so you can adjust their flash pattern and install them on fixed structures and trucks.
LEDs consume a fraction of the energy of other lights, reducing the load on alternators and batteries. They are also known for lower replacement costs, which can benefit a fleet of maintenance vehicles and businesses that manage them.
LED flashing light patterns and colors
If you need lights that distinctly send signals like “Slow Your Vehicle” or “Exercise Caution,” amber LEDs are a tried-and-true choice. They have been used for decades and are a familiar sight for all – we all associate the amber color with caution.
Multi-colored flashing lights can also work. The illumination duo of amber and white has great cautionary characteristics and catches the eye with alternating patterns.
Besides alternating patterns, LED flashing lights can accomplish their primary purpose with:
- Steady burn
- Fast flash
- Slow flash
A steady burn pattern keeps lights continuously illuminated and increases your vehicle’s overall visibility. A fast flash mode is coupled with rapid pulsing to be extremely conspicuous and ideal for directing attention to your maintenance trucks. Slow and triple flashes are less intense but still noticeable, suitable for general warning purposes when your crew and fleet are working.
Key takeaway
LED flashing lights deliver the sought-after combination of safety, efficiency, and visibility. For highway maintenance crews and wreckers, they are essential safety tools that are legally required to be used during roadwork. While their pattern and type depend on the highway work you perform, flashing lights must always be there for improved visibility and accident prevention.
