Red light control for emergency vehicles
CROSBY – Misconceptions bear critically on the realities we face daily. Once while riding with a fellow worker we sat at a red light and were approached from behind by a fire truck. The truck struggled to pass the captive motorists at the light then announced that the emergency vehicle was going to proceed through the intersection with a loud honk.
“I don’t understand,” said my co-worker, “Why doesn’t he just use the button they all have to change the light?”
The answer is: the button did not exist. And, before we go any further – it is best to yield to emergency traffic; ambulances, fire trucks and law enforcement. If possible, pull over to the right to let them pass, don’t obstruct the emergency traffic, the life you save could be precious to you.
The button my co-worker was referring to did not at that time exist, but The Opticom™ system helps the emergency vehicles or first responders get through intersections that have signals by making temporary right-of-way using traffic controller functions.
