VIDEO: The city of Austin is preparing to roll out a new traffic-signal system next year, designed to help ambulances and fire trucks reach their destinations faster and more safely. The new system – emergency preemption for first responder vehicles – uses GPS and geofences to automatically change traffic lights as emergency vehicles approach. Austin and Travis County Emergency Medical Services said it will reduce response times and be safer for first responders.
“Going through a red light, where we stop and make sure there’s no cross traffic, is one of the most dangerous things we do,” said Wesley Hopkins, the ATCEMS’ chief of staff.
For decades, the city used traffic signal preemptions at several locations citywide. The technology included a receiver mounted on a traffic pole, with a transmitter on emergency vehicles like ambulances or fire trucks, but weatherization and maintenance issues made for difficult upkeep, according to KXAN reporting.
“What’s great about this system is the infrastructure is already in place. It interfaces with the computer on the ambulance and signals the light well before they approach,” Hopkins said.
He said the system will manage traffic more effectively, improving response times.