What priority level should emergency vehicle preemption be set to?

Emergency vehicle preemption should typically be set to a high priority level. This setting allows emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, to clear intersections safely and efficiently, thereby reducing response times during critical situations. When preemption is activated, traffic signals can be programmed to change to green for the emergency vehicle, or to red for conflicting traffic, based on the predetermined priority level.

A high priority ensures that emergency vehicles can move freely through intersections without delay, enhancing public safety and response capabilities. Having different priority levels requires careful consideration of how traffic flow and safety are managed at signalized intersections. While some systems might have medium or lower priorities for other traffic management strategies, emergency preemption's primary goal is to afford the fastest possible access to emergency responders, making a high priority designation essential for effective traffic management in emergencies.