Impact of Secondary Red Warning Lights on Incident Response Time – Phase 2

About the project

In 2023, VDOT gained approval to install flashing red secondary warning lights on certain incident management coordinator (IMC) and safety service patrol (SSP) vehicles over a 2-year transition period. Previously, only amber lights were permitted. Although this does not constitute full emergency vehicle permissions (such as the ability to violate red lights on traffic signals), the flashing red lights may encourage motorists to pull to the shoulder. This may improve VDOT’s incident response during congestion. As the Red Lights Pilot Program started in November 2025, this study aims is to evaluate the effects of IMC red secondary warning lights on incident response, with an emphasis on changes in incident response time and clearance time. The findings will help VDOT make informed decisions on incident management strategies and investment, including the decision on whether to pursue additional emergency vehicle privileges for IMC and SSP vehicles.

Project team

Principal investigators

Co-Principal investigators

Project manager

Project monitor

Members