7 Harris County ESDs to utilize new traffic signal sensors to improve response times

With the cost too high for individual first responder agencies to afford replacing the sensors and keep up with the cost of maintenance, the new system was adopted by seven emergency services districts in northwest Harris County as an alternative.

"When we saw Miovision’s Opticom system, it was a no-brainer. The fact that we don't need resources committed to supporting the day-to-day operation of the system is a godsend because in public safety, you never have enough money and you never have enough people," Mike Pate, project manager at Harris County ESD 16, said. "With the new system, we'll know within minutes after [first responders] finish their work whether the intersection is back up or not. The visibility of the system's effectiveness was an instant sell with the chiefs."

How it works

According to Miovision officials, the software will work with existing equipment in fire and EMS vehicles and centralize route information and signal change needs.

"Northwest Harris County exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that will define public safety infrastructure for the next generation," Miovision CEO Kurtis McBride said. "Moving to a hardware-free, cloud-based system gives these agencies the operational confidence, cost predictability, and data-driven tools they need to protect their communities long into the future."

The system will be in place at 437 intersections across northwest Harris County, and will be utilized by seven ESDs across the Spring, Cy-Fair and Cypress areas.