Elk Grove to trial next-gen emergency vehicle pre-emption

The City of Elk Grove, California, has entered a new agreement to pilot an emergency vehicle pre-emption (EVP) solution.

Intelligent connected traffic technology provider Lyt’s solution will initially be trialled for 43 traffic signals, including two pedestrian crossings, along Laguna Boulevard, Bond Road, and Elk Grove Boulevard where emergency vehicles will receive pre-emption.

Emergency vehicle safety

This pilot rollout aims to improve emergency vehicle safety and travel times for first responders travelling to local emergency facilities by intelligently adjusting traffic lights to clear traffic along their path.

Accidents involving emergency vehicles – such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars – are a substantial problem in the US. Vehicle fatality rates for emergency responders are estimated to be up to nearly five times higher than the national average because emergency vehicles are travelling at higher speeds to reach crisis situations. It is imperative they can travel free of traffic and traffic congestion to avoid these outcomes, and to arrive on scene as quickly as possible to aid in life and death situations.

Lyt’s next-gen emergency pre-emption solution enables traffic signals to adjust, based on real-time congestion, traffic in advance of approaching emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles will now be able to communicate directly with the EVP solution, enabling public safety fleets to deploy true pre-emption capabilities in any vehicle, making emergency response and roadways safer throughout the Elk Grove region, Lyt claims.

“It’s not just about facilitating quicker response times for our emergency responders; it’s about saving lives and prioritising the safety and security of local residents”

“Reliable and effective emergency vehicle pre-emption technology is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire Elk Grove community. In emergency situations, where every second counts, return to office and population growth stresses community roads,” said Tim Menard, CEO and founder of Lyt.

“The need to implement and maintain reliable pre-emption technology is paramount. It’s not just about facilitating quicker response times for our emergency responders; it’s about saving lives and prioritising the safety and security of local residents.”