The Psychological Effects of Police Car Lights

Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the flashing lights of a police car as it speeds past you? You also get more vigilant, and responsive and there is a sense of adrenaline rush within. However, these are not coincidences. The colours, patterns, and movements seem to demand attention and convey a sense of authority. But have you ever wondered why these lights are designed in such a way? As it turns out, there is actually a psychology behind the use of different colours and patterns on police cars. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these elements affect behaviour and how they are used in different types of police car lights. 

How colours and patterns of a police light affect our behaviour

The colours:

Colours and patterns play a significant role in influencing human behaviour, and this is no different when it comes to police car lights. The colours used in the design of these lights can elicit specific emotional responses from individuals. For instance, red has been known to trigger feelings of urgency, alertness, and danger. On the other hand, blue tends to evoke a sense of calmness and reassurance. In addition to that, some studies have shown that green light can promote relaxation while yellow light increases focus.

The patterns:

When it comes to patterns, flashing or strobe lights tend to grab more attention than steady ones. This is why police cars use flashing lights as they are more effective in getting the attention of drivers on the road. Moreover, alternating between different colours such as red and blue creates an intense visual effect that captures people's attention faster than just one colour alone. This pattern is often used during emergencies when time is of utmost importance.

In summary, understanding how colours and patterns affect human behaviour helps law enforcement officers make informed decisions about how best to use their vehicle lighting systems effectively. To further bolster their purpose, reputed law agencies turn to Darta Enterprises for lights and police sirens. We provide top-of-the-line equipment to help our departments maintain peace. Speak to us today to know more!