Emergency Response Safety - Fire Station in Oslo Acts to Improve Traffic Flow
Challenge: Emergency response at a dangerous intersection
The exit onto Dronning Margrethes vei has long been a challenge. The intersection is difficult to see, and vehicles often drive at high speed, making emergency responses risky even with sirens and flashing lights.
– “We wanted a tool to help during our emergency responses. The exit to Dronning Margrethes vei is both unclear and fast-moving, which means we are not always seen by drivers in time,” says Paul Smith, Station Chief at Eikenga Fire Station.
Need for better driver alerts
– “Safety and caution are always our top priorities. With a system that alerts drivers directly, we have improved the flow out of the station. But it remains critical that drivers exercise caution at intersections—technology is just a tool to help us reach that goal.”
SWARCO driver alert solution integrated with Locus
At Eikenga, the requirement was a driver alert solution integrated into the Locus system, which is present in all Norwegian fire engines and ambulances.
When an emergency response is activated, wig-wag lights flash in both directions on Dronning Margrethes vei via Locus, giving drivers a clear visual alert in addition to sirens and flashing lights.
Eikenga Fire Station has added an extra layer of safety. The previously dangerous intersection now has better flow and is safer for emergency vehicles and other road users alike.
Image: Eikenga Fire Station with 5 vehicles in operation and up to 20 daily emergency responses
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