First responders put their lives at risk everyday, but when motorists don’t adhere to Move Over laws, the risk of fatal injury is even higher. This fact could not be more true for tow truck drivers, who have some of the highest fatality rates in the private sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, between 2008 and 2018, there were 351 fatalities and 10,400 injuries in the towing industry.¹
Although tow trucks are considered emergency response vehicles under the statutes of the Move Over law, motorists are still failing to take the proper precautions around tow trucks and auto recovery vehicles. Here at Ultra Bright Lightz, we want to help our tow truck drivers stay safe and be seen on the job. We offer a wide range of products that are available in all SAE-standard emergency colors. But before making any purchasing decisions, here are a few factors to consider.
Budget
Whether you’re working independently or with a fleet of vehicles, it’s important to create a budget you feel comfortable with. Fortunately, we stock thousands of products at different price ranges because we believe that cost concerns should not stop you from purchasing reliable and bright emergency vehicle lights. If you’re just beginning to outfit your tow truck or wrecker, our U-Lite product range is a great baseline option that is affordable but still incredibly bright. For extra impact, check out our ilumex line of surface mounts, dash lights, and stick lights. For 4-watt LEDs and high-intensity capabilities, Feniex LED light bars, grille lights, visor bars, dash lights might be the way to go. Just remember, here at Ultra Bright Lightz, we have something for everyone!
State Laws
Every state has different emergency vehicle lighting requirements. Amber LED lights are most commonly used by tow trucks, wreckers, and auto recovery vehicles, but keep in mind that your state may have slightly different statutes that determine what color and even what type of lighting product you can use. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these requirements before purchasing your LED warning lights.
Types of Tow Trucks
The type of tow truck you use can completely change your emergency vehicle lighting set-up. If you have a flatbed tow truck, you may want to install lights on the flatbed so that motorists can fully identify the size and scope of your vehicle. Conversely, if you have a wheel-lift tow truck, your set-up may be limited to the actual body of your truck. You might be able to equip your truck with several surface mounts, an exterior LED light bar, and a pair of rocker panels, or you may have to limit your set-up to a few grille lights and a beacon or two.
Once you’ve determined your budget, you’ve researched your state requirements, and you’ve designed your ideal lighting set-up, it’s time to start shopping. We’ve compiled a list of some of our most popular options, but feel free to explore our wide range of options here.
LED Light Bars
LED light bars provide 360-degrees of powerful visibility. Check out the Feniex Fusion Tow Light Bar, which was designed specifically for tow trucks, wreckers, and auto recovery vehicles. It’s engineered with 4-watt LEDs, tons of flash patterns, Datalink compatibility, stop/turn/tail functions, and so much more!
Stick Lights and Rocker Panels
Stick Lights are a fantastic standalone option or a powerful addition to your emergency vehicle light set-up. They’re weather-resistant, incredibly bright, and engineered to last. Available in multiple sizes, our ilumex Stick Lights are a versatile way to add lighting in compact spaces, as well as larger areas like your headache rack. For broadside visibility that extends the length of your vehicle, check out our rocker panels!
Beacons
Beacons are an incredibly efficient way to add 360-degrees of visibility to your tow truck. The Feniex AM600 Beacon is the most advanced option on the market. With multiple mounting options, tons of flash patterns, and the ability to sync up 6 beacons, the AM600 is a powerful option with a smaller footprint.
Grille Lights
Grille lights and surface mounts are reliable, powerful, and versatile. They are the workhorse of the vehicle lighting industry: with tons of options, configurations, and price points, you’re to find a surface mount that fits your exact needs!
Ready for your tow truck lights?
For help selecting the right tow truck lights for your vehicle, contact one of our sales support specialists today! They would be happy to discuss your lighting needs and suggest the best LED emergency lights for your application.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). January 2020.