Patent ID: 6987464

Claim:
A traffic priority defining system for implementation by an emergency vehicle as it approaches an intersection of opposing traffic, which system comprises: means for sending a special signal from an emergency vehicle to a means for confirmation that the signal has emanated from a legitimate emergency vehicle, means for forwarding the special signal post confirmation to the controller of a tricolor light traffic control device in the vicinity of the emergency vehicle, a loop antenna on the controller of the traffic control device to receive the special signal, means in the controller to generate a second signal indicative of an emergency to override a general signal from the controller of the traffic control device, to cause one of the lights of the traffic control device to switch from a full circle glow to the depiction of an icon associated with an emergency situation, wherein the icon is selected from the group consisting of a fire engine, a multi-pointed star, a police car, an ambulance and a red cross.