In an innovative crossover between motorsports and public safety, technology developed by Pratt Miller Motorsports - home of the Corvette Racing team - is being adapted to help protect first responders. At CES 2025, industrial truck manufacturer Oshkosh unveiled how they're using racing-derived technology to help prevent tragic accidents involving emergency vehicles. This adaptation of Corvette Racing's sophisticated monitoring systems could help save lives on our public roads.
Safety Inspiration
Although people count on first responders to save lives when they arrive at an accident scene, first responders sometimes become victims themselves. Tragically, 251 first responders lost their lives in vehicle accidents between 2019 and 2023. In response, Oshkosh has developed the Collision Avoidance Mitigation System (CAMS), adapting sophisticated safety technology initially developed by Pratt Miller Motorsports for the Corvette Racing program.
Novel Safety Technology Hits the Road
The racing technology that inspired this safety system uses rear-facing cameras and radar to monitor vehicles approaching from behind. In racing applications, this system provides critical data to drivers, including approaching vehicle speed, trajectory, predicted path, line-of-sight, track positioning, and racing class identification. This same core technology has been re-engineered to protect emergency vehicles parked at accident scenes.
Technology for First Responders
The CAMS system includes one or two video camera/radar units per vehicle, operating independently from the vehicle's existing sensors. Using artificial intelligence to analyze incoming data, the system can quickly assess potential threats and provide warnings through various methods, including lights, horns, audible warnings, and even haptic alerts through wearables - particularly valuable in noisy accident scenes. Expected to roll out in 2026, the system is designed to be scalable for various vehicles, from fire trucks to tow trucks and snow plows.
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