INDOT Implements New Roadway Worker Safety Initiative

Green safety lights aim to increase visibility and driver awareness in work zones

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is launching a new work zone safety initiative called Project Greenlight that equips highway workers with Guardian Angel safety lights. These wearable green flashing lights increase worker visibility from all directions and help drivers become more aware of workers in the area, especially during times of limited visibility due to weather or nighttime conditions.

Why it matters

Worker safety is a top priority for INDOT as they work to maintain and improve Indiana's infrastructure. This new initiative aims to reduce accidents and injuries involving highway workers by making them more visible to passing drivers, which is especially important in areas with reduced visibility.

The details

The Guardian Angel safety lights are bright green, the most visible color to the human eye, and easily distinguishable from standard work zone lighting. Studies show drivers are more likely to slow down and move over when they see the green lights, indicating heightened awareness of the workers' presence. INDOT will be distributing approximately 375 of these lights across the state, starting with the Northwest District.

  • INDOT began piloting the green safety lights in fall 2025 within the three Hoosier Helper patrol areas and various highway maintenance crews.
  • As the program moves forward, INDOT will be distributing approximately 375 lights across the state, starting with the Northwest District.

The players

INDOT

The Indiana Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Indiana's transportation infrastructure.

Lyndsay Quist

INDOT Commissioner, who stated that the safety of INDOT's team is the top priority as they work to improve Indiana's infrastructure.

Battelle Memorial Institute

A research organization that conducted a study showing the Guardian Angel safety lights make workers 89% more visible to the traveling public.

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What they’re saying

“Studies show drivers are more likely to move over and slow down when they see these green lights in work zones.”

— Lyndsay Quist, INDOT Commissioner (INDOT news release)

What’s next

As the program moves forward, INDOT will be distributing approximately 375 lights across the state, starting with the Northwest District.

The takeaway

This new safety initiative from INDOT demonstrates the agency's commitment to protecting its workers and the traveling public by leveraging innovative technology to increase visibility and awareness in work zones, which can be especially hazardous during inclement weather or nighttime conditions.