Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A UE may identify a shortened transmission time interval (TTI) to be used for priority communications with a vehicle having a first traffic priority level, the shortened TTI having a duration that is less than that of other TTIs used in other communications with the vehicle having a second traffic priority level less than the first traffic priority level. The UE may transmit a request-to-send (RTS) message during the shortened TTI, the RTS message indicating an identifier and a configuration for the priority communications during the shortened TTI. The UE may receive a clear-to-send (CTS) message from one or more wireless devices participating in the priority communications, the CTS message indicating a sequence associating the CTS message with the RTS message. The UE may perform the priority communications with the wireless devices from which the CTS messages were received.