"Festive or Distracting? The Debate over Holiday Car Decorations"
Understanding the Trend
More and more drivers are embracing the idea of wrapping their cars in Christmas lights. It's a way to show holiday spirit and add some cheer to the roads. However, this trend also brings with it certain risks.
Lt. Greg Willett with the Wilmington Police Department explains, "You'll see folks putting Christmas lights on their car. We get it. It's not too much of an issue until you get into red and blue lights." North Carolina state law prohibits using red or blue lights on cars, except in specific circumstances such as shows, exhibitions, parades, or holiday/weekend activities.
The Safety Concerns
While most people won't mistake Christmas lights for an emergency vehicle, it can still be a distraction to drivers. "If your lights are flashing from a distance or at a certain angle, it can fool someone into thinking it's a police car," Lt. Willett said.
We asked neighbors in Downtown Wilmington for their opinions. One man said, "First impression? Dangerous. Shouldn't happen." Another neighbor commented, "I feel like you should do whatever." And a woman added, "If you see anything flashing, you're going to think it's an emergency."
Police Perspective
Lt. Willett acknowledges that while you most likely won't be pulled over if you have Christmas lights on your car, it's still something to be mindful of. "There are folks around Wilmington that have them. It's not like they're getting pulled over all the time. We understand it's the Christmas season, but at the same time, you have to understand some of the potential consequences if someone thinks you're an emergency vehicle," he said.