Travel time estimation model for emergency vehicles under preemption control

Travel time of emergency vehicle is an important parameter in emergency rescue. This paper established a travel time estimation model for emergency vehicles under preemption control conditions. Three levels of preemption control strategies, including path preemption, intersection preemption, and section preemption have been developed in the model. Section clearance time, which is the critical component of travel time, is formulated based on function of roads, traffic volume, number of lanes and mean travel speed of general traffic. In order to improve the accuracy of prediction of travel time and preemption control, real-time updated vehicle based location information is considered to estimate the travel time dynamically. A variety of simulations and Taicang Speedy Ambulance First-aid Emergency Rescue Operation Supporting (SAFER) System were established to test the model. Verification results indicate that the model can accurately estimate the travel time of emergency vehicles. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.