A Traffic Chaos Reduction Approach for Emergency Scenarios Syed Rashid Ali Rizvi ψ , Stephan Olariu ψ , Mona E. Rizvi Τ , Michele C. Weigle ψ Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 ψ , Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA 23504 Τ (srizvi, olariu, mweigle)@cs.odu.edu, mrizvi@nsu.edu Abstract This paper proposes an efficient chaos-reducing information dissemination approach for spatio- temporal traffic information related to first responders and planned evacuation scenarios using Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). VANETs have recently been proposed as one of the promising ad-hoc networking techniques that can be used to provide a safe and enjoyable driving experience. In our approach, we provide an emergency vehicle path clearing technique, and real-time resource (e.g. shelter) availability information. Therefore, traffic confusion and chaos is lowered on evacuation and emergency vehicle routes. Simulation results show that our approach works efficiently without fully relying on any message relaying infrastructure. 1. Introduction One of the major causes of traffic chaos is the confusion and failure to detect Emergency Service Vehicles (ESVs) (e.g. ambulances, police cars and fire trucks, etc.), which can lead to slow progress and even accidents involving the ESVs traveling towards their destinations. In addition to ESV scenarios, during an evacuation, there exists a tremendously challenging task for supply trucks to reach their destinations as quickly as possible and with minimal interruptions (see Figure 1). Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) have recently been proposed as a technology that can provide both drivers and passengers with a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Although research has been done on evacuation using infrastructure-based Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) [1], less attention has been given to proposing a solution with a combination of VANET and evacuation rescue efforts. In this paper, we propose a VANET-based approach that reduces the chaos and confusion among evacuees and first responders. ITS technologies can be used to gather traffic, weather, and other information; however, the concentration of ITS deployment is in urban areas, and evacuation travel mostly occurs in rural areas [1]. Since we do not fully rely on any message relaying infrastructure, our solution is suited for rural areas. 2. VANET system model In our approach, all vehicles act as information servers relaying information for the VANET. We do not make use of any access points on the road side or depend upon a collection of location servers. We assume that every vehicle has a digital map and knows its geographical position and heading through a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The building blocks of our approach are: • Resources: ESVs, parking places, gas stations, hospitals, shelters, etc; • Reports: Information sent by resources; • Broadcasting: We exploit broadcasting for information propagation and take the spatio- temporal character of reports into account; • Selection strategies based on relevance: The spatial distribution of information is controlled through a selection strategy. Figure 1. Cars sit broken down or without fuel by the side of the road in Huntsville, Texas. Trucks filled with life-saving relief supplies are unable to reach their destinations [2].