Patent attributes
A remotely-activated vehicle priority system includes a control center, a vehicle-priority communication device, at least one receiver, and a phase selector. The control center transmits an activation message. The vehicle-priority communication device is mounted to a vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the control center. In response to the activation message, the vehicle-priority communication device transmits a priority preemption request. Transmission of the priority preemption request in response to the activation message prevents improper activation, either intentional or unintentional, of the vehicle priority system by an operator of the vehicle. The receiver is situated at a traffic signal and receives the priority preemption request. The phase selector issues, responsive to the priority preemption request, a command to a controller of the traffic signal. The command selects a phase for the traffic signal.