The Town of Brookhaven responds to more than 5,000 emergency calls every month. The town made the decision to upgrade to Opticom™ GPS priority control technology on more than 500 fire trucks and ambulances and at nearly as many intersections so firefighters and EMS personnel can meet the incredible demand more quickly — and safely.
“Brookhaven has more roads than any other municipality on Long Island,” said Daniel P. Losquardro, Town of Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways. “It’s imperative for our emergency services to navigate these roads as safely and quickly as possible. When it comes to emergency response, every second counts and Opticom™ has certainly contributed to improving response time.”
Daniel P. Losquadro, Superintendent of Highways for Town of Brookhaven, stands beside one of the more than 500 fire trucks and ambulances upgraded with Opticom™ GPS. (Photo credit: Town of Brookhaven, NY)
For over 10 years Brookhaven has used Opticom™ IR technology for priority control to preempt signals in the densely populated town. Studies indicated that it improved emergency response times by up to 40 percent. So why did Brookhaven officials push for such an extensive upgrade?
The unique terrain of Long Island creates tight turns and obstructions that limited preemption to 300 feet or less at almost 40 percent of the intersections. Too often, first responders had to reduce speeds and navigate around cars to pass through these intersections, creating potentially dangerous situations.
Opticom™ GPS uses a global network of GPS satellites to calculate vehicle speed, direction and precise location to preempt signals even around corners or obstructed intersections.
“The last thing anyone wants is an accident occurring during the response to an emergency,” said Losquardo. “The Opticom™ GPS system provides a clear path for emergency vehicles, resulting in faster and safer response.”
Reduces maintenance costs
Navigating a demanding landscape is only one reason for the change. The recent upgrade also includes Opticom™ Central Management Software (CMS), which revolutionizes how the municipality maintains the priority control system.
“Maintenance tasks can be performed in-house without sending employees out to a location,” said Losquardo. “This allows us to use resources more efficiently, thus saving taxpayers money.”
Today, every intersection in Brookhaven is equipped with Opticom™ GPS technology. As a result, 42 independent fire districts and 13 ambulance districts can preempt traffic signals to reach emergencies faster, with less risk. And, nearly 500,000 residents in the area have better access to better emergency care.
About Town of Brookhaven
The Town of Brookhaven comprises eight incorporated villages and 52 hamlets in Suffolk County, New York, approximately 50 miles from Manhattan. Stretching from the south shore to north shore of Long Island, it’s the largest town in New York. With nearly 500,000 residents, it’s also the state’s second most populous town. Settled in 1655, Town of Brookhaven offers a rich cultural history that continues to evolve. It offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and industrial and commercial centers. In addition, it’s home to Stony Brook University and the Brookhaven National Laboratory.
About Global Traffic Technologies
Global Traffic Technologies, LLC (GTT), formed in 2007 from 3M’s pioneering Intelligent Transportation Systems business, is the manufacturer of Opticom™ priority control systems and Canoga™ traffic sensing systems. These systems have provided safe and reliable traffic solutions to communities for over 45 years. GTT’s ongoing commitment to innovation continues to proactively deliver advanced transportation solutions to help emergency, transit and traffic personnel increase safety, minimize traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while maximizing resource efficiency and performance. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, GTT is the market leader in traffic management systems, having an installed base of over 70,000 intersections in over 2,800 cities worldwide.
