STOCKHOLM — Accidents involving ambulances and modern vehicles so well-insulated against noise that drivers can’t hear emergency sirens until it’s too late are on the rise in Sweden. <br /> <br />In response, ambulances in Stockholm are testing a new emergency warning system that emits an FM radio signal, according to developers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. <br /> <br />The radio signal is picked up by vehicles with a Radio Data System. Drivers’ own stereo systems then alert them to slow down and make space for an approaching ambulance. <br /> <br />The system interrupts all audio playback inside vehicles with a voice announcement about the presence of an ambulance nearby. The announcement is accompanied by a text message on the stereo tuner’s display. <br /> <br />The system reaches two-thirds of vehicles on Swedish roads, and can also warn of accidents ahead, according to the developers. <br /> <br />The developers said the system will enhance accessibility for first responders and improve road safety.
