A safety light
system is incorporated into the tailgate of a
pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the
ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating
assembly incorporated into the outer sheet
metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate
assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the
pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a
bed extension apparatus. The safety light can additionally include the features of a standard taillight, comprising
brake lights and or turn
signal indicators. Alternates include reflective tape and a pullout feature from other locations. A pullout section can also provide a step for accessing the
bed.