ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY)-- Winter storms can come with hazardous conditions like slippery roads and low visibility. Tompkins County Highway Department installed green lights on their snow plows and ice vehicles, as a way to make these vehicles more visible during times of harsh winter weather.

''The green stands out. It is more intense.  We started with a couple of vehicles as a tryout and now we have outfitted the whole fleek with green and amber. Some have solid green with solid yellow, while some are green, yellow, and amber together,'' said Nick Ensign- the Deputy Director of Tompkins County Highway Department.

It's no surprise that green light was selected since green light is most easily seen by the naked eye from a distance.  Hence, this is the main reason why green means go to traffic lights. 

'' I think it is important because of the visibility and the knowledge behind them and the education of teaching people what the green light stands for and what they should be looking out for,'' said Nick Ensign.

The installation comes after Chapter 504 was signed into New York State law. Officials in each county now have the option of installing these green lights on their snow vehicles. 

''When you see the green, we are involved in the snow and ice activity or a hazard. There is a hazard around us, so stay back. We could be stopping, going slow, spraying salt, or could be backing up,''  said Nick Ensign.

Therefore, green, blinking lights in Tompkins County could mean the road crew is nearby.