Employee Resources - V2X Technology Helps First Responders Save Time and Lives

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June 10, 2026

V2X Technology Helps First Responders Save Time and Lives

Last week, UDOT announced a groundbreaking use of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology that is already helping to save lives in Brigham City.

UDOT has partnered with Brigham City to equip the city’s ambulances and fire trucks with V2X technology that gives the vehicles the literal green light when responding to critical emergencies. Known as signal preemption, this technology can change signals from red to green for emergency vehicles during active calls.

Watch this video about how the new system is helping emergency vehicles in Brigham City respond to critical calls faster and safer.

For nearly a decade, UDOT has pioneered signal preemption for its snowplows to clear roads faster, improve travel times and enhance driver safety. With hundreds of intersections already equipped with smart signal technology, adding Brigham City’s emergency vehicles to the existing system made sense.

“Smart V2X technologies create a digital seatbelt that provides an extra layer of protection for the traveling public,” said UDOT Transportation Technology Engineer Blaine Leonard. “Extending our existing technologies to cities helps first responders save lives and makes the entire transportation system function better for everyone.”

UDOT plans to expand V2X technologies to other cities across Utah, building a connected vehicle network that already spans hundreds of intersections statewide. As more communities join the network, first responders will be able to move through intersections safer and reach emergencies faster. This application of V2X technology is unique because these emergency vehicles can get preemption wherever in the state they travel, not just in their own community.

The partnership is another example of how UDOT innovation is improving safety and strengthening transportation systems across Utah.

For a quick look, check out this UDOT Instagram Reel on Brigham City's V2X technology.