Low-Cost Infrared Vision Systems for Improved Safety of Emergency Vehicle Operations Under Low-Visibility Conditions

This study investigates the potential of infrared (IR) camera technology to enhance driver safety for emergency vehicles operating in low-visibility conditions, particularly at night and in dense fog. Such environments significantly increase the risk of collisions, especially for tow trucks and snowplows that must remain operational in challenging conditions. IR cameras, which detect the thermal signatures of obstacles, show promise as standalone advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or as complements to existing ADAS technologies in emergency vehicles. This evaluation combines controlled laboratory experiments, real-world field tests, and surveys of emergency vehicle operators. In addition to assessing obstacle detection performance under low visibility, the study examines the feasibility of retrofitting existing Department of Transportation (DoT) fleets with cost-effective IR-based driver assistance systems. Results underscore the utility of IR technology in enhancing driver awareness and provide data-driven recommendations for scalable deployment across legacy emergency vehicle fleets.