GPS system installed to preempt traffic signals in emergency situations
Myrtle Beach’s fire and EMS vehicles soon will be able to preempt traffic signals along major roads. In emergencies, you want the fire truck or ambulance to get there as quickly as possible. Using a GPS system installed in 22 fire trucks and ambulances, traffic signals at major intersections will know when those vehicles are approaching and automatically give the emergency responders the green l.ight, while turning other lights at that intersection red.
The sending unit onboard the vehicle tells the signal when the unit is approaching in time to change the lights. Once the emergency vehicle clears the intersection, the signals return to their normal cycles. The traffic signal preemption system is part of this year’s city budget. The annual cost for the service is $60,000, which includes the GPS service, the equipment, maintenance and monitoring.
City staff is working with Opticom to install receivers on the signal mast arms at Kings Highway and Farrow Parkway. When complete, preemption will be available on Kings Highway from Farrow Parkway to 82nd Avenue North. Other intersections on the system include most of Grissom Parkway and Oak Street at Mr. Joe White Avenue.
The sending unit onboard the vehicle tells the signal when the unit is approaching in time to change the lights. Once the emergency vehicle clears the intersection, the signals return to their normal cycles. The traffic signal preemption system is part of this year’s city budget. The annual cost for the service is $60,000, which includes the GPS service, the equipment, maintenance and monitoring.
City staff is working with Opticom to install receivers on the signal mast arms at Kings Highway and Farrow Parkway. When complete, preemption will be available on Kings Highway from Farrow Parkway to 82nd Avenue North. Other intersections on the system include most of Grissom Parkway and Oak Street at Mr. Joe White Avenue.