SMARTDrive technology

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), University of Arizona researchers and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) engineers have demonstrated a high-tech traffic management system to avoid collision of emergency vehicles.

Installed on vehicles and at traffic signals, the SMARTDrive system allows individual emergency vehicles to ‘talk’ to each other, receiving real-time information to avoid collision and prioritise way for fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances.

The federally-funded and state-supported project has been tested at a site in Anthem, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, US.

MCDOT ITS engineer Faisal Saleem said MCDOT’s testing is leading research in emerging technologies to fine tune traffic control systems that will in the very near future link all drivers to both their surroundings and other vehicles on the road.

"This means fewer crashes and more saved lives," Saleem added.

University of Arizona College of Engineering systems and industrial engineering associate professor Larry Head said: "It’s the capability to talk to several responding vehicles at once that makes this traffic system unique and is the focus of our research."

The traffic signals at six intersections along a 2.3 mile stretch of Daisy Mountain Drive, were equipped with the components to allow the signals to talk not only with each other but with at least two other emergency vehicles.

The SmartDrive system works using a combination of Bluetooth, short range radios, and WiFi to maintain connection.

The system is also expected to be used for city buses, special needs vehicles and other mass transportation providers to have a clear path through traffic tie-ups.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is operating a second national test site for the technology.


Image: A fire truck responding to a mock emergency incident gets the green light though Daisy Mountain Drive during a live demonstration of the MCDOT SmartDrive traffic management system in Arizona. Photo: courtesy of UA College of Engineering.