Ford is piloting connected traffic signal technology in Aachen and Düsseldorf, Germany, with the aim of prioritizing safety and reducing delays for emergency responders. The system can automatically switch signals to green when emergency vehicles equipped with flashing lights approach, helping units reach incidents faster while minimizing risk to civilians and responders alike.
In many urgent situations, rescuers face the hazard of waiting at red lights on the way to the scene. Ford’s initiative addresses this danger by enabling real time coordination between a responding vehicle and the traffic control network, potentially clearing intersections in advance so crews do not lose precious seconds to stalled traffic.
Martin Sommer, a test engineer for Ford of Europe, emphasizes the life-saving potential: “Whether it’s a fire unit racing to a blaze or an ambulance responding to a medical emergency, vehicles getting stuck in traffic and having to push through red lights can endanger lives.”
With networked traffic signals, such incidents could be prevented by preemptively granting green signals as emergency vehicles near intersections, reducing response times and improving overall outcomes in critical moments.
During trials in Aachen, a short stretch of road with eight consecutive signals and two adjacent sections featuring three signals each was equipped with the necessary communication infrastructure. The test vehicle carried hardware for infrastructure communication and rapid device control. When an emergency signal was detected, the vehicle sent requests to the traffic lights to switch to green, allowing a smooth passage through the corridor. After the vehicle cleared the intersection, the lights returned to standard operation, ensuring continued flow for all road users.
Beyond aiding emergency services, the technology stands to benefit everyday drivers as well. The system integrates with adaptive cruise control to estimate an approaching vehicle’s trajectory and arrival time at a signal. This ensures the car travels toward a green phase, reducing unnecessary stops. Even when a red light seems likely, the system can minimize harsh braking, resulting in a calmer, more comfortable drive and improved fuel efficiency for the daily commuter. In urban corridors, this orchestration supports smoother traffic patterns and less slowdowns caused by stop-and-go cycles.