New System Is Expected To Enable Faster Response To Emergencies By Officers

System Lets Metro Police Respond to Emergencies Faster (Added: March 10, 2011)

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Metro Police now have a system that will let them respond to emergencies faster, even in traffic. (more)

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New System Is Expected To Enable Faster Response To Emergencies By Officers

Opticon GPS will change traffic signals as officers approach.

By: Tuquyen Mach | WSAV-TV
Published: March 10, 2011

SAVANNAH, Ga. --

How many times have you seen a police car approaching and can't get out of the way because there is a red light or just too much traffic?

Savannah's busy streets have always presented a challenge for emergency vehicles. Now Savannah-Chatham Metro Police have a system that will let them respond to emergencies faster, even in traffic.

"Our response to particular emergencies can probably be enhanced by seconds and sometimes a difference between life and death," said Hiram Rivera of SCMPD.

The process is simple: when a car's emergency lights are activated, the Opticom GPS System communicates with traffic controls to give them a green light.

"We see folks stopping and freezing at intersections. With the green light preemption, it should allow traffic to clear out before the emergency vehicle actually reaches the intersection. That way there's not any traffic jams," said Rivera.

The device is installed at 80 intersections around the city. On Thursday, officers received training to ensure they're using the systems correctly and not adding to traffic problems.

"A failure to double check the system as they're entering these intersections or as they're conducting police work in these intersections may inadvertently trigger the intersection to be green for an extended period of time," he said.

The system was already being used along DeRenne Avenue for ambulances.

Ninety Metro vehicles now have the system.

Officials said a traffic light will stay green for six seconds after the last emergency vehicle clears the intersection, then the traffic lights will go back to normal.