Traffic light system with additional blue signal lamp and integrated siren for priority passage of emergency services

Description

1 5Title of the invention: Traffic light system with additional blue signal lamps and integrated siren for priority passage of emergency services Background of the invention Emergency services such as fire brigades, ambulances, and police often lose precious minutes at busy intersections because traffic lights only signal red, orange, and green. As a result, emergency services often have to run red lights, which causes dangerous situations and delays. Existing priority systems only regulate the red / green cycle but provide insufficient clarity to other road users. There is a need for a clear and universally recognizable signal that is exclusively reserved for emergency services and guarantees priority. Summary of the invention The invention concerns a traffic light system that, in addition to the standard colors red, orange, and green, is equipped with: 1. Fourth signal color (blue): implemented with high-intensity LED technology, intended exclusively for announcing approaching emergency services. 2. Integrated siren or loudspeaker: emits a warning sound 25 synchronously with the blue signal. 3.Smart control: activation via signal from an emergency service vehicle (Transponder, GPS or V2X communication). Upon activation: • all conflicting directions turn red; • the approach direction displays blue and siren (during the day). 304. Failsafe mechanism: in the event of a malfunction, the system automatically reverts to the standard red-orange-green cycle. 5. Time-controlled sound regulation: siren only active between 06:00 and 22:00 to avoid noise nuisance. At night, only blue light. 35 Benefits of the invention • Time saving: average 2-3 minutes saved per trip (per crossing). • Life-saving: faster arrival significantly increases chances of survival. • Safety: less need to run red lights, fewer accidents. • Environmental benefit: fewer waiting times and emergency stops — › less CO₂ emissions. 40•Cost savings: fewer traffic accidents involving emergency services. Public acceptance: night mode limits noise nuisance. •Uniformity: citizens learn "blue + siren = emergency service arriving", which is clear and universal.45 Description of the invention The traffic light (signal head) contains four modules: red, orange, green, and blue. The blue module is a high-intensity LED lamp with a flashing function. • An integrated siren is linked to the blue signal. • The entire system is controlled via the traffic control unit with extra channel 50 for emergency services. • Communication is wireless (N2X / GPS transponder). BE2025 / 0096 2 5 • Upon detection of an emergency service, the intersection logic switches: conflict directions -> red; emergency service direction -> + blue + siren. • Failsafe guarantees safe operation in the event of a malfunction. • Night mode limits sound -> only visual blue. 10Report:Responses to emergency services getting stuck at an intersection Introduction Emergency services such as the fire brigade, ambulance, and police depend on a quick and safe passage through traffic. When they are on their way to an incident with flashing lights and sirens, every second counts. Yet it regularly happens that emergency service vehicles get stuck at a busy intersection or in a traffic jam.This report examines the reactions of both society (citizens and fellow road users) and the emergency services themselves when such a situation occurs. 20Reactions from society 1. Powerlessness and frustration Many citizens experience a sense of powerlessness when they realize that they cannot give an emergency service vehicle enough space quickly enough, for example because there is too little room on the road or the traffic light remains red. This can lead to frustration among drivers and passengers. 2. Concern Citizens often realize that a stalled emergency service vehicle means that someone may have to wait longer for urgent medical assistance, firefighting, or police assistance. This leads to feelings of concern or sympathy. 3. Unsafe traffic behavior In the stress of the moment, some drivers try to make room, sometimes in a way that is dangerous, for example by running a red light or swerving suddenly. Although this is well-intentioned, it can lead to additional risks. 4.Public Opinion When images of such situations are released via social media or news broadcasts, discussion often arises regarding traffic rules, infrastructure, and the responsibility of road users. As a result, the call for better awareness and education increases. Reactions from Emergency Services 1. Operational Stress Emergency service drivers and crews experience tension and stress when they cannot move through traffic in a timely manner. This can affect their focus and decision-making. 2. Professional Judgment Emergency service drivers are trained to assess whether it is safe to temporarily disregard traffic rules (such as running a red light). Nevertheless, they remain bound by road safety, meaning a trade-off between speed and safety must be made continuously. 3. Frustration and powerlessness 10 Although emergency workers know that traffic jams are often unavoidable, getting stuck at an intersection can be frustrating, especially when they know that lives are at stake. 4.Structural feedback 15Emergency services often discuss after incidents whether infrastructure or traffic lights can be better coordinated. In some cities, priority systems are used (e.g., automatic green waves for emergency services). Conclusion 20When a fire truck, ambulance, or police car gets stuck at an intersection, this affects both society and the emergency services. Citizens feel frustration and concern and sometimes try to make room, even at the risk of doing so. Emergency services experience tension and must balance speed and safety. Structural solutions, such as awareness among road users and technological support (e.g., smart traffic lights), can contribute to reducing this problem. 30 35 40 45 50 BE2025 / 0096 4 5Report - Innovative traffic light system with extra blue light siren for Emergency Services 1. Introduction Every second counts when it comes to life-saving emergency services.Firefighters, ambulances, and police often lose valuable time because traffic at busy intersections cannot adequately anticipate their arrival. This leads not only to dangerous situations but also to unnecessary delays in the event of fires, cardiac arrests, or serious accidents. The proposed system introduces an additional blue light in traffic lights, combined with a siren. This system activates automatically upon the approach of an emergency service, ensuring the intersection is cleared in time. 2. Operation of the system • Fourth light color (blue): added to the standard red-orange-green. The blue light flashes only when emergency services are present. • Siren in traffic light box: additional sound signal to warn pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. • Communication: emergency services send a signal via GPSofttransponder to the traffic lights. • Pre-activate ($2 minutes): so that drivers can stop calmly and safely 25 and make room. 3. Benefits 3.1 Societal •Lifesaving: Ambulance reaches patients faster -- ►higher chance of survival in cases of cardiac arrest or serious accidents. •Fire department loses less time — faster extinguishing action — + less damage, fewer casualties. •Less stress & panic among drivers: thanks to clear blue signals, road users know exactly what is happening. 3.2 Traffic safety Less dangerous maneuvers by emergency services (less running red lights). •Reduced risk of accidents involving crossing traffic. 3.3 Environment and fuel Shorter travel time = less idling of engines. Less accelerating and braking = fuel savings. Estimate: with an average travel time reduction of 5 minutes per trip -- ►1 liter of fuel saved per vehicle per trip (ambulance / fire department). 3.4 Financial •Emergency services: lower maintenance costs on vehicles (less hard braking and accelerating). •Healthcare: faster hospital admissions--►lower complication costs. •Insurance: fewer traffic damage claims due to safer passage at intersections. 504.Disadvantages / points of attention •High initial costs: adapting and certifying traffic lights is expensive. BE2025 / 0096 5 5 •Legislation: official introduction of a fourth signal color requires amendment of traffic regulations. •Maintenance: sirens and extra modules require additional maintenance and periodic tests. •Risk of habituation: drivers must learn that blue = emergency services. 105. Time gains and savings 5.1 Travel time •On average, an ambulance in an urban area loses 1-3 minutes per trip due to intersections. •With the introduction of blue lights, this loss can virtually disappear. 15•Estimate: •Ambulance: 2 minutes faster per trip •Fire department: 3 minutes faster per trip •Police: 1.5 minutes faster per trip 5.2Environment / CO₂ savings 20•Ambulance: average 25 liters diesel / 100km--›=0.25 liters per km. •With a 2-minute time gain (=1.5 km less delay) = 0.4 liters of fuel saved—>=1 kg CO₂. •Assume 100,000 emergency service trips / year in a medium-sized city: •100,000 kg CO₂ less emissions per year. 255.3Financial savings •Fuel savings:*€200,000 / year (at 100,000 trips).•Reduced damage from accidents involving emergency services: +€1-2 million / year. •Medical gain: faster admission reduces healthcare costs (not exactly quantifiable, but potentially many millions). 30 6.Costs to adapt traffic lights 6.1Adaptation per traffic light •New housing with blue light module: +€800. Siren and speaker integration:*€200. 35Software update + controller: +€500. Installation: +€1,500. •Total per traffic light:*€3,000. 6.2Per intersection (average 4 lights) •*€12,000 per intersection. 406.3City with 100 intersections •*€1.2 million investment. 6.4Payback period •Fuel + damage + healthcare savings = at least €2-3 million / year. • The system therefore pays for itself within 1 year 45 50 BE2025 / 0096 6 57. Conclusion The proposed traffic light system with extra blue light siren offers: • Faster and safer passage for emergency services. • Better survival chances for patients and less fire damage. • Significant environmental benefits through savings on fuel and CO₂ emissions. • Financial benefits that quickly recoup the investment.Although legislation and certification present challenges, the societal benefits far outweigh them. This system can develop into a new European standard for intersection safety and life-saving efficiency. 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 BE2025 / 0096.

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