Stoplights at more than 30 intersections in Arlington will be equipped with technology that automatically gives emergency vehicles the right of way, something officials say improves response time and makes for safer road conditions. The Arlington County Board on Saturday approved a $651,000 contract to Chesapeake Electrical Systems Inc. to install emergency vehicle preemption technology at 31 intersections on Lee Highway. The impacted stoplights go from East Falls Church to Rosslyn.

James Schwartz, the county’s fire chief, said such technology gives responders “safe, speedy passage” on roads and also cuts “precious minutes” from travel time.