Priority of Emergency Vehicle Dynamic Right-Of-Way Control Method in Networked Environment

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

General Comments:

This paper proposed a dynamic right of way control method for emergency vehicle priority control. Whilst the research topic is appropriate, some details of work done requires further clarifications and elaborations so as to improve its readability and clarity. With appropriate revision, the manuscript could be considered for possible publication in this journal.

1.   Literature Review – The manuscript tried to summarise and classified different EV priority control algorithms into three major approaches, namely time right-of-way priority, space right-of-way priority, and road section priority approaches. The current form of the review appears to be too brief and the descriptions are also mixed up between emergency vehicle control and public transport vehicle control. It is suggested that the reviewed literature and algorithms be summarised into a table, and major differences between different approaches should also be clearly described. Based on that to clearly highlight the contribution of the current manuscript in filling the knowledge gap identified from the literature.

2.   Setting the Scene – Following the brief literature review, the manuscript went straight into the details of the algorithm. It is suggested that the author should consider to describe the basic setup of the system in order for the algorithm to be practically operable. For example, definition of major terminologies (e.g. connected vehicles, buffer zone, non-intrusion zone, etc.), are vehicles involved in the algorithm all equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-roadside devices communication technologies? etc. It is important to specific the basic setup of the infrastructure requirements before talking about the details of the priority algorithm.

3.   Dynamic Right-of-Way Control – This terminology needs clear definition and how “dynamic” is interpreted in the control algorithm. How does it different from other types of right-of-way control? Which particular element(s) / component(s) of the actual control algorithm is/are related to this “dynamic” control process. These details are important to highlight the contribution of this algorithm and what makes it different from the existing algorithm.

4.   Simulation Experiment Evaluation – The derivation of key evaluation variables needs to be clearly defined and more importantly clearly interpreted. It means that how the changes of these key evaluation variables (e.g. running time) reflect the benefits of the proposed algorithm. These are important to highlight the impact of the proposed algorithm.

5.   Language – The language of the manuscript needs to be substantially reviewed and improved. In particular, some of the key terminologies appear to be not fully consistent with the commonly adopted conventions. The following are some examples:

Traffic collection equipment – need to use proper and fashionable terms. Vehicle detection equipment / traffic count devices / traffic flow measurements?

Line 47 variable information sign – would that be better to use variable message sign (VMS) instead?

Social vehicles – what do they refer to? Regular traffic excluding public transport and emergency vehicles?

   The above are just some examples (not exhaustive). The authors should properly review and proofread through the manuscript to make sure the terminologies used are properly defined and consistent with the commonly used conventions.

      Regarding the details of the algorithm, it is suggested that a Step-by-step approach should be adopted to clearly and concisely highlight the key features of the algorithm.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Language – The language of the manuscript needs to be substantially reviewed and improved. In particular, some of the key terminologies appear to be not fully consistent with the commonly adopted conventions. The following are some examples:

Traffic collection equipment – need to use proper and fashionable terms. Vehicle detection equipment / traffic count devices / traffic flow measurements?

Line 47 variable information sign – would that be better to use variable message sign (VMS) instead?

Social vehicles – what do they refer to? Regular traffic excluding public transport and emergency vehicles?

      The above are just some examples (not exhaustive). The authors should properly review and proofread through the manuscript to make sure the terminologies used are properly defined and consistent with the commonly used conventions.

      Regarding the details of the algorithm, it is suggested that a Step-by-step approach should be adopted to clearly and concisely highlight the key features of the algorithm.

Author Response

Thanks very much for all your comments!Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

In the manuscript, the authors consider the important problem of increasing the speed of ambulances, which is vital in the rescue and evacuation of victims. The question is how much time is reduced for informing drivers of other cars about the approach of an ambulance using the informing method proposed by the authors in comparison with an ambulance using standard light and sound signals? This difference is a significant factor in the advantage of the proposed method and should be described in detail. In general, the manuscript may be of interest to the scientific and professional community working on solving the problems raised in the manuscript.

Author Response

Thanks very much for all your comments! Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

The subject addressed in the paper is current, considering the increase in the number of vehicles in traffic. Prioritizing emergency vehicles is an important issue for saving lives and involves important information resources. The method proposed in the paper is interesting, using a buffer vehicle to take information from the traffic and warn the emergency vehicle to change the traffic lane and the speed change rate.

The presented algorithms are clear and accompanied by a theoretical approach. 

The results obtained by simulation with SUMO were highlighted by 3 different methods: 1. ER method - Equal rights of way (ER): CVs and EVs can travel in any lane and change lanes freely without intervention; 2. PSR Method - Priority for Special Right of Way (PSR): the outer lane is a lane dedicated to electric vehicles, so CVs are not allowed to enter it; 3. PDR Method - Dynamic Right of Way (PDR): Outer lanes are virtual lanes dedicated to electric vehicles, so CVs can enter intermittently.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thanks very much for taking your time to review this manuscript. I really appreciate all your comments. Thank you for your positive comments on the article. We hope that the revised manuscript is accepted for publication in the Journal of Applied Sciences.

Sincerely,

Zhihui Kuang