Dynamic preemption algorithm to assign priority for emergency vehicle in crossing signalised intersection

Abstract

Emergency vehicle (EV) services save lives around the world. The necessary fast response of EVs requires minimising travel time. Preempting traffic signals can enable EVs to reach the desired location quickly. Most of the current research tries to decrease EV delays but neglects the resulting negative impacts of the preemption on other vehicles in the side roads. This paper proposes a dynamic preemption algorithm to control the traffic signal by adjusting some cycles to balance between the two critical goals: minimal delay for EVs with no stop, and a small additional delay to the vehicles on the side roads. This method is applicable to preempt traffic lights for EVs through an Intelligent Transportation System. A Matlab-Vissim Interface was implemented to simulate the intersection and apply the proposed algorithm. The results show a significant decrease in delays for both EVs and other traffic.