Traffic technology company LYT has released an addition to its LYT.emergency solution called Route Prediction. Available as an optional add-on module for new and existing LYT.emergency customers, this innovative AI-powered system further modernises emergency vehicle preemption and addresses longstanding challenges first responders face by optimising the timing of green lights en route to incidents.
By preempting only the necessary traffic signals along the anticipated route, the system ensures a safer, faster journey for first responders while minimising disruptions to regular traffic flow. Emergency vehicle preemption refers to a system that allows emergency vehicles to temporarily override normal traffic signal operations, giving them priority at intersections.
Route Prediction offers a suite of features and benefits for emergency vehicle preemption. By improving safety for first responders, pedestrians, and general traffic, the system significantly enhances response times while reducing costs, collisions, and other disruptions to normal traffic flow.
The platform provides a comprehensive bird’ s-eye view of the city, allowing officials to monitor all vehicles and preemptions in real-time. This visual representation extends to the predicted routes, giving operators unprecedented insight into the system’s operation.
Route-predicted preemption directly addresses two critical industry pain points. First, it tackles the challenge of intersection safety by accounting for pedestrians and surrounding traffic, ensuring a clear and safe path for emergency vehicles. The system adjusts traffic signals well in advance, allowing ample time for pedestrians to cross and traffic to clear before first responders arrive.
Second, it eliminates the problem of unnecessary preemptions that often plague traditional systems. By activating only the signals along the predicted route and continuously updating this path using AI, Route Prediction significantly reduces disruptive false preemptions. This targeted approach maintains normal traffic patterns in unaffected areas, preserving overall traffic flow efficiency and addressing a major concern of traffic engineers.
One of Route Prediction’s standout features is its customisable business rules, empowering cities with full control over preemption parameters. As a turnkey, budget-friendly solution, it requires no maintenance and operates without additional hardware, ensuring seamless integration and automatic updates. Traffic engineers and first responders alike benefit from the ability to view detailed traffic timing and preemption history at any connected intersection, enhancing overall system transparency and effectiveness.
Emergency vehicle accidents are a significant problem in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, 224 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. Half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles. Deaths among pedestrians accounted for another 22%, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 16%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 8% of the deaths.
“In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscapes, the integration of AI and advanced technology in traffic management is a true necessity,” said LYT Founder and CEO Tim Menard. “Our Route Prediction solution represents a significant leap forward in creating safer intersections for first responders, pedestrians, and all road users. By harnessing the power of AI, we’re able to anticipate and clear emergency routes with unprecedented precision, dramatically reducing the risk of accidents and improving response times.”
“This technology doesn’t just benefit emergency services; it creates a ripple effect of positive outcomes for entire communities. As we continue to innovate, we’re committed to building technology that serves the greater good, creating urban communities that are safer and more responsive to the needs of all.”
