Indiana Expands Green Light Initiative for Highway Workers
About 1,100 wearable safety lights have been distributed statewide to improve crews’ visibility at night and in poor weather.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Nov 03, 2026
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is expanding a worker safety initiative that uses flashing green lights to make highway crews more visible to motorists during nighttime operations and other low-visibility conditions.
Through Project Greenlight, INDOT has distributed approximately 1,100 wearable Guardian Angel safety lights to workers across the state. The devices emit flashing green patterns designed to help drivers identify workers in active construction and maintenance zones.
The lights provide 360-degree visibility and can be attached to hard hats, safety vests or other accessories. Their distinctive green color helps distinguish workers from standard work zone lighting, which typically uses white or amber lights.
According to INDOT, research conducted by Battelle Memorial Institute found that the lights, when combined with high-visibility safety vests, increased worker visibility by 89%.
The agency began piloting Project Greenlight in fall 2025 with highway maintenance crews and Hoosier Helper safety patrol workers. The program has since expanded statewide, with employees encouraged to use the lights during overnight operations and in weather conditions such as fog, rain and snow.
As daylight hours decrease heading into winter, INDOT is also reminding motorists to slow down and remain alert when traveling through work zones.
The initiative originated through INDOT's Innovation and Process Improvement Division, which encourages employees to submit ideas that improve workplace safety, efficiency and operations. The department evaluates those proposals and selects projects for implementation.
INDOT said the green lights are intended to provide an additional layer of protection for workers exposed to moving traffic, particularly when visibility is limited.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.