Traffic Signal Preemption is the process of allowing emergency vehicles to manipulate traffic signals in their path, halting conflicting traffic and allowing the emergency vehicle the right-of-way. This has been proven effective in reducing response times, while simultaneously enhancing traffic safety (by dramatically reducing collisions with innocent motorists who may enter the intersection on a green light, but do not hear or see the approaching emergency vehicle).1
Statistics show that nearly half (40%) of firefighters killed in the line of duty die in traffic accidents enroute to the scene. In 2000, over 500 deaths occurred in accidents involving emergency vehicles2. During the period January 2002 through October 13, 2005, auto liability claims alone cost the Phoenix Arizona Fire Department $3.98 million, while damage to apparatus was estimated at over $730,000. In the 1.8 million miles logged by the Phoenix F.D. during that time period, 507 vehicle accidents occurred, of which 308 were determined to have been preventable3.
Emergency vehicles (fire trucks, police cars and ambulances) pass rapidly through traffic intersections, using sirens and flashing lights to alert other drivers of their passage. Confusion, inattention, mobile phones, car radios, hearing impairment, distracting children, air conditioning, vehicle sound proofing, and failure to see flashing lights cause many serious accidents. First responders arrive at the scene faster with emergency vehicle preemption. Shorter response times for emergency vehicles enable them to arrive at a scene in the initial moments when their key decisions are important. For a fire fighter, arriving a minute sooner may mean being able to stop the spread of a fire. In a medical emergency, saved time may be the difference between life and death, giving medics the opportunity to stabilize and treat a victim3.
The result is 8,000 injuries, approximately 500 fatalities, and even further damage to city personnel, civilians, and equipment. Millions of dollars are lost to liability claims and vehicle repairs. Emergency vehicle accidents are a worldwide problem with numerous injuries, fatalities and huge costs resulting from lawsuits. Consider the costs to city budgets of one traffic accident involving an emergency vehicle. The scene of the emergency loses its critically needed assistance, and a second crisis is created. Additional local or nearby emergency vehicles must be dispatched to both scenes, straining limited resources and increasing the chances for yet another incident.
Do you already have an Optical Preemption System or Infrared Preemption system or commonly referenced by a brand name such as Opticom ®, Emtrac ®, Tomar ®, Strobecom ® or MIRT ®? Upgrading to a GPS Traffic Signal Preemption System is affordable and simple.
Learn MoreCould traffic preemption reduce fire response times and save lives? Once overlooked as expensive and impractical, signal preemption has come a long way since the 1970s
Learn MoreCome visit our booth at FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) April 8th - 13th to learn more about our Traffic Signal Preemption System. Booth 9153 Near Pierce Booth, click below for picture of booth location.
Learn MoreAs the call comes in and your department is focused on digesting and learning the circumstances of the emergency and the scene while enroute, traffic should not be a major consideration. Today�s electronically distracted drivers have made the opposite even more true. Motorists already respond to the presence of an emergency vehicle differently but often distracted drivers do not react at all.
Learn MoreThe Eliminator Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) System provides specific features designed for Police Departments. Most EVP systems use ETA or GEO windows to define when or where preemptions occur. However Police Cars typically travel at a higher rate of speed than Fire and EMS, specifically faster than the larger vehicles such as Engines, Tankers, and Ladder Trucks.
Learn MoreFrom the moment an emergency run begins, there is potential for an even greater disaster; colliding with another vehicle enroute to the scene of the emergency. This often results in that vehicle and its occupant(s) becoming an additional emergency incident to address. Many cities have experienced an increase in collisions with emergency vehicles at intersections, but emergency vehicle preemption has been shown to effectively reduce the probability of these collisions by giving ambulances the right of way.
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