By Gail Marsh
You may think you’ve memorized the alphabet soup of important initials connected to RVing. You know all about FHU (full hookups), GVW (gross vehicle weight), and so much more. How about EVP? Huh? Whoa! Back that big rig up! I’d never heard about this set of letters, and I wondered, “What are EVP systems and why should RVers care about them?”
Where are they?
You may have seen EVP transmitters as you’ve traveled from place to place in your RV. They’re usually mounted on top or along the side of a traffic signal light. Maybe, like me, you’ve wondered about them.
What is an EVP?
In the critical moments following an emergency call, every second counts for first responders. Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) systems play a crucial role in ensuring the swift and safe passage of emergency vehicles through intersections. By allowing these vehicles to activate traffic signal lights in their favor, these systems contribute significantly to reducing response times and improving overall emergency services.
Traffic technologies
Emergency Vehicle Preemption systems are advanced traffic management technologies designed to prioritize the movement of emergency vehicles through intersections. These systems use a combination of hardware and software components to communicate with traffic signal controllers and give emergency vehicles the right of way by turning traffic lights along their route to green while all other lights remain red.
Key components of EVP systems
Not all cities have EVP systems. Those that do may use a variety of technologies to activate their particular system.
- GPS technology: Many EVP systems integrate GPS technology to track the real-time location of emergency vehicles. This information is crucial for determining when an emergency vehicle is approaching an intersection and needs a green light to proceed.
- Radio frequency (RF) communication: EVP systems often use RF communication between emergency vehicles and roadside infrastructure. This allows for seamless and rapid communication between the vehicle and the traffic signal controller.
- Infrared (IR) sensors: In some cases, EVP systems have infrared sensors to detect the presence of emergency vehicles. These sensors can identify approaching emergency vehicles and trigger the preemption process as needed.
Purpose of EVP systems
No matter which technologies are used to activate an EVP system, the goal is to clear the emergency route for the first responders’ vehicles. Enabling green lights all along the emergency route will improve response time and keep everyone on the roadway safer, too.
Why should RVers care?
Seeing and/or knowing that an EVP system is present will remind you to be especially careful as you drive through such intersections. Keep in mind that the length of your rig may mean it will take you longer to completely clear the intersection. You do not want your RV to slow or block first responders’ emergency vehicles.
Always obey traffic lights. Some advanced EVP systems can be activated before you actually see the emergency vehicle’s flashing lights approaching. An activated EVP system may cause you to sit longer than normal at a stoplight. Never assume that the light has malfunctioned. Remember that your cooperation may well mean the difference between life and death.
Benefits of EVP systems
Studies have shown that EVP systems reduce response times by up to 50%. They’ve also shown up to a 70% reduction in accidents. Watch this video to hear what some firefighters have to say about EVP systems.
Have you ever experienced an activated EVP system while RVing? Do you have additional tips for RVers when this happens?
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RVT1239
There was a system like this in Erie, PA in the 1960s. Always amazed me at the time!
Interesting, thanks Gail!
Since many traffic lights now are controlled by a computer looking at a camera, it seems like it ought to be relatively easy and cheap to program the camera/computer to recognize the flashing lights on an emergency vehicle and give it the green. I tried to convince my computer nerd son to “invent” this, but he had some reason for not doing it.