Opticom clarification
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Opticom clarification
I would like the opportunity to provide some clarification to the article regarding the 3M Opticom Traffic Preemption system recently installed in the Town of Warrenton. The motivation for my letter is to make certain that our citizens are properly informed so as to prevent confusion and ensure their safety.
First, I would like to elaborate on the system and its purpose. The Opticom system has been successfully implemented around the country by numerous jurisdictions including Prince William and Fairfax counties. It is primarily designed to allow emergency vehicles to safely negotiate into an intersection controlled by a traffic signal without forcing motorist into an unprotected intersection. It does this by way of an encoded emitter installed on emergency vehicles and a receiver installed on the traffic signal system.
When the system is triggered, it processes all lights to red and provides a green light in the direction of the emergency vehicle. An additional benefit is the assurance to the emergency vehicle operator that drivers in all other directions have received a red light and are stopped.
Its second purpose is to prevent a collision between two emergency vehicles entering the same intersection from different directions. It does this by processing each Opticom triggering signal in the order it was received.
There are two points within the following statement that are erroneous.
“The steady beam of the floodlights is the motorists' cue to proceed to a point where they can safely get to the right and give emergency vehicles enough room to get through the intersection.“
The floodlights are called confirmation lights (in other jurisdictions around the country they may be referred to as notifiers). The intent of the confirmation light is to inform the operator of the emergency vehicle that the signal/request has been received and that the system is processing for a green light in their direction.
It is not a cue for a motorist to proceed through the intersection. This is because the confirmation light will turn on once triggered no matter the current pattern of the traffic light. That means that even when the traffic signal is red, the confirmation light can also turn on. If motorists were to follow your guidance within the article and proceed into an intersection based on the confirmation light, they would be entering into the flow of traffic that has not yet been stopped. The confirmation light is not a cue of any type for motorists.
Second is the reporter’s reference to the procedure for motorists to move to the right is also incorrect. This was the case several years ago,. However, current motor vehicle law within the Commonwealth of Virginia states “drive to the nearest edge of the roadway, clear of any intersection of highways, and stop and remain there, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, until the emergency vehicle has passed.”
Motorists must still obey traffic laws concerning intersection signals. The Opticom system does not supersede the Code of Virginia. It is a system that allows drivers to safely enter into an intersection while obeying traffic laws. Motorist should still continuously observe the emergency vehicle’s approach and adjust accordingly, as the operator of the emergency vehicle may have had to adjust his or her route because of another’s actions.
As with any new system or practice, there will be refinements. The Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company is working diligently with the manufacturer and installer to ensure the system is optimized at every intersection.
Questions regarding the Opticom system or the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company should be directed to firechief@warrentonfire.org, or visit our Web site www.warrentonfire.org.
Scott Taylor
Fire Chief
Warrenton Volunteer Fire Co., Inc.
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