The six new SUV cruisers purchased in 2016 will receive blue light bars instead of the traditional blue-and-red light bars.
Studies in 2004 and in 2012 indicated blue lights are more visible and brighter both at night and during the day, Chenoweth said.
In 2004, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a study on the perception of colors, particularly blue and red. At night, eyes will perceive that a lamp emitting a higher frequency, shorter wavelength of light (violet or blue) will appear to be moving closer, while a lamp with a lower frequency, longer wavelength of light (red) will appear to be moving away.
This effect could either make it appear the vehicle was closer to the motorist than it actually is, creating an earlier response and cushion of safety, or could make the vehicle appear to be moving away and create a hazard, according to the study.
A 2008 study conducted by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, found that blue was more effective in sunlight conditions than white, yellow or even red.
That finding was also supported by studies from the Society of Automotive Engineers, U.S. Fire Administration and a 2012 study from Federal Signal, a company making safety signaling and communications equipment, according to Chenoweth.
“This is about officer safety and safety for civilians … we don’t want to see anyone hurt,” he said.
The Ohio Highway patrol moved to all blue light bars in 2012. The Fairfield Police Department did the same two years ago. The West Chester Police was the first in the area to make the change in 2004.
“It was based off a 20-year study about the effect of emergency vehicle lighting,” said West Chester Police Officer Michelle Berling. “It found if a person was color deficient, red was the first color they could not detect. Blue is at the other end of the color spectrum.”
Some studies have also shown that red lights have a “moth effect,” and instead of warning people way, actually draw drivers toward the lights.
“Think about it,” Fairfield Police Chief Mike Dickey said. “If you are driving down the road at night what do you see? Red lights. Blue lights are move visible and stand out. You know it is a police officer.”
With blue lights uniquely for police officers, “there is no excuse for not stopping for a police vehicle,” he said.
The brightness of the lights, thanks to LED technology, is also a factor in increasing visibility.
“In my experience, the lights are the best we have ever had,” said Lt. Matt Hamilton of the Hamilton Post of the highway patrol. “But I am not sure it is so much the color. It is the technology — LED lighting — that has made the biggest difference.”
Middletown Assistant Chief Mark Hoffman said the department has not considered changing to all blue light bars on its police vehicles, noting they try to use the equipment they have for as long as possible.
Butler County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer said the department has not discussed changing the color of light bars.
“Maybe we will,” he said, after hearing about the more recent studies.
There is no extra cost for blue light bars, according to Chenoweth. The lights will be phased in as the department purchases new vehicles annually, he said, with the first blue light bars expected to be shinning in Hamilton by June.
About the Author
