Police officers are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to maintain public safety every day. Whether they respond to emergencies, conduct routine traffic stops, or patrol neighborhoods, officers face various risks, especially on the roads. Roadside incidents consistently rank among the leading causes of injury and death for law enforcement officers in North America.
As we observe National Police Week, it’s essential to address these challenges and identify strategies to enhance the protection of our law enforcement community. National Police Week, first established by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into public law by President John F. Kennedy, honors the service and sacrifice of police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It’s an opportunity to champion innovations that enhance police safety.
Traffic management technology is transforming how we protect police officers and the communities they serve. By reducing roadside risks and improving emergency response times, smarter systems are making streets safer for everyone. In this blog, we’ll look at the hidden dangers officers face on our roads, how smarter traffic systems can help, real-world applications like Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP), and the broader movement toward safer, smarter cities, a meaningful way to honor the mission of National Police Week.
The Hidden Dangers of Police Work on the Roads
Traffic-related incidents are one of the most dangerous threats facing law enforcement officers today. According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), about 50% of officer fatalities over 15 years were related to traffic incidents, including being struck outside their vehicle during a stop.
A recent report from West Virginia highlighted first responders advocating safer road solutions like Opticom EVP solution after witnessing numerous near-misses and tragic outcomes. Every second an officer spends on or near the road carries inherent risk. Traditional traffic controls like sirens and flashing lights offer some protection, but often fall short in today’s busy traffic. At Miovision, we’re committed to improving road safety for everyone.
That’s where Opticom comes in. The implementation of Opticom in San Rafael, a bustling city with 90,000 daily roadway users and a 26% increase in fire incidents, reduces delays by up to 25%—ensuring traffic lights favour emergency vehicles—and reducing risks of intersection collisions by up to 70%.
The Importance of Traffic Management in Ensuring Law Enforcement Safety
Modern traffic management boosts officer safety by improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and increasing driver awareness. Optimized intersections and less congestion mean officers face fewer dangerous driving behaviors.
Moreover, many cities are embracing smart city initiatives that integrate advanced traffic control technologies, from intelligent signal systems to real-time traffic monitoring, with public safety efforts. These interconnected systems help ensure accidents are minimized, emergency responses are faster and safer, and traffic moves efficiently.
Data-driven traffic management helps law enforcement use real-time insights to plan safer patrols, coordinate emergencies, and allocate resources effectively. It’s not just about easing rush hour traffic—it’s about protecting the people working on the front lines of public safety and studying patterns to help develop traffic solutions that lead to safer streets for all.
Smarter Policing Made Possible by Tech Innovations
Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP): Spotlight on Safety
Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) technology is one of the most powerful tools to enhance public safety that’s available to safeguard law enforcement officers. EVP allows police vehicles to communicate with traffic lights, triggering green lights at intersections and clearing traffic ahead of an emergency vehicle.
By minimizing the need for officers to manually navigate congested intersections or speed through red lights, EVP significantly reduces collision risks. According to Miovision Opticom EVP, now part of Miovision, EVP can reduce intersection crash rates for emergency vehicles by up to 70%.
In San Rafael, California, for instance, the local police auxiliary reported substantial improvements in officer response times and safety after implementing EVP technology. “It [Opticom EVP and Whelen VSG] gets us to the emergency quicker, safer and more efficiently, and it protects the public and the first responder,” noted Sergeant Justin Graham.
By prioritizing first responder vehicles, EVP improves officer safety and helps them reach citizens faster, protecting both communities and those who serve them.
Intersection Monitoring and Traffic Insights
Another critical data-driven advancement is intelligent intersection monitoring. Through sensors, cameras, and AI analytics, cities can now track real-time traffic conditions at busy intersections and along major routes.
This technology provides law enforcement with invaluable insights:
- Identifying areas prone to accidents or congestion
- Predicting high-risk zones during different times of the day or calendar week
- Helping dispatchers and officers plan safer patrol or pursuit routes
For example, if a downtown intersection often faces heavy congestion during Friday rush hour, police can adjust staffing or patrols to reduce the risk of incidents. Over time, these data-driven adjustments improve safety for both officers and citizens.
Continuous Data Feedback Loops
Long-term safety improvements require continuous learning. By collecting traffic and incident data, law enforcement can work with traffic engineers, urban planners, and tech companies like Miovision to improve strategies and policies.
Examples of actionable improvements include:
- Adjusting signal timing to create safer pull-over zones for traffic stops
- Rerouting officer patrols away from high-risk corridors
- Using predictive analytics to better deploy officers during dangerous conditions (e.g., rainstorms, parades)
Data collection isn’t just essential for efficiency, it’s a lifeline for those operating in unpredictable environments.
Making a City Smarter and Police Safer
Building smart cities isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, resilience, and trust. Integrating traffic systems with law enforcement helps cities:
- Improve emergency response times
- Decrease roadside incidents and secondary collisions
- Create safer public spaces for everyone
Miovision plays a pivotal role in this transformation. With our cutting-edge data platforms, intelligent sensors, and traffic management solutions, we help cities harness information to create responsive, adaptive urban systems.
Our vision is captured in a simple phrase: Let’s Move toward smarter infrastructure, safer roads, and stronger communities.
A Week to Reflect, Innovate, and Honor
National Police Week is more than a commemoration. Here’s what you need to know:
What is National Police Week?
National Police Week honors fallen officers and celebrates the work of law enforcement through events and ceremonies nationwide. Key events include the Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Mall in Washington, where thousands honor names on the National Peace Officers Memorial, and the National Police Survivors Conference, supporting families of fallen officers. On Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, 2025, flags are flown nationwide at half-staff to remember those lost in the line of duty.
When is National Police Week?
National Police Week is held annually during the week of May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 2025, it will run from May 11 to May 17.
What is the purpose of National Police Week?
National Police Week honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the U.S. It recognizes those who have died or been disabled in the line of duty while supporting their families and colleagues.
As we honor their legacy, we must push for solutions to keep today’s officers safe, from ceremonies to innovations like EVP and smart traffic management. Every improvement, every second saved, every safer intersection pays tribute to the bravery of our peace officers.
Building Safer Roads for Those Who Serve
Traffic management is more than reducing congestion—it’s about saving lives. By leveraging data-driven solutions, such as Emergency Vehicle Prioritization (EVP), intersection monitoring, and predictive analytics, we can improve safety for law enforcement officers while ensuring smoother, safer journeys for everyone on the road.
As we observe National Police Week, let’s remember that it means taking action and investing in the technologies and strategies that support them every day they put on the uniform. At Miovision, we believe in a future where technology, public service, and smart city planning come together to protect those who protect us. Want to learn more about how data-driven traffic solutions can support officers on the road and make cities smarter?
Visit Miovision’s website today and explore our innovative tools, or get in touch now. Together, let’s move toward safer, smarter cities for everyone.