OptiCom Traffic Signal System Overview

Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department OptiCom Traffic Signal Pre-emption System

• Purpose: Ensures consistent policy for using the 3M OptiCom system for safer emergency response and faster response times.

• OptiCom Priority Control System: Gives authorized vehicles control over intersections as needed.

• OptiCom System Components: Emitter unit mounted on authorized emergency vehicles communicating with the intersection using infrared encoded signals. Intersection must have OptiCom hardware and detectors.

• Pre-emption Process: The system provides a green light for emergency vehicles in their direction of travel, and some intersections allow oncoming traffic to continue until new installation.

• Safety: Designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents for emergency personnel and civilians, and reduce response times.

• Priority Ranking: Multiple apparatus approaching an intersection are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

• System Logging: System logs all activations providing date, time, unit identifier. FDOT and city traffic engineering departments will review these logs.

912.2 Procedures

• System Usage: The OptiCom system is intended solely for emergency traffic pre-emption.

• Abuse Prohibition: Misuse or abuse of the system (e.g., non-emergency use) may significantly impact traffic, result in system loss, and are subject to disciplinary action and potential legal consequences (Florida Statutes 316.003, 316.0775 violations).

• Activation Requirements: The emitter should only be activated for responding to emergency calls with lights and sirens.

• Emergency Vehicle Procedures: Turn off the emitter at the scene of an emergency. Setting the parking brake deactivates the emitter. If responding to an intersection incident, leaving the emitter on will maintain pre-emption until deactivated.

• Intersection Treatment: Treat every intersection as if the system isn't in use; obey all traffic signals, proceed cautiously/safely.

• Unpredictable Green Lights: Do not assume a green light is guaranteed, as other factors, especially other units using the system or ongoing pre-emption may be involved.

• Left Turn Arrows: Follow the specific instructions for left turn arrows or green arrows , and be mindful of opposing traffic signals.

• Truck Proximity: Be aware of potential signal loss due to proximity with tall trucks, and adjust your vehicle's position for reliable signal detection.

912.3 Maintenance and Repair

• Equipment Failure Reporting: Immediately report all equipment failures to the supervisor and then by email to Fire Logistics.

• Incident Details: Provide specific details about the equipment failure, including vehicle name, vehicle number, date of failure, incident number, intersection affected, direction of vehicle travel, and a brief description of the failure.