The Hope Fire Department says they have taken a "major step" in enhancing responder and motorist safety through the implementation of life-saving technology on local roads.
The HAAS Alert Safety Cloud is a "public safety solution that delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working on scene," the department said in a news release. "This life-saving technology provides drivers with crucial extra warning time – proven to reduce collision risks by up to 90 per cent."
There is already the "Slow Down Move Over" law that requires drivers to slow down and change lanes for active emergency vehicles. However the department said that the flashing lights and sirens often don't provide enough warning to drivers, especially at high speeds or in poor visibility.
The new alert system will work to solve this by delivering safety alerts to drivers through multiple channels. It will work in navigation apps Waze and Apple Maps, and it is also built in to certain vehicle dashboards, in 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, plus 2024 and newer Volkswagens.
"This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road," said fire chief Thomas Cameron. "When our lights activate, Safety Cloud gives drivers critical extra time to anticipate us and safely react – protecting both emergency personnel and the public we serve."
The system requires no action from drivers beyond using their regular navigation apps. Hope Fire is among more than 4,000 agencies nationwide now using this protection system, with HAAS Alert actively expanding to additional vehicle platforms.
"Roadside line-of-duty deaths are preventable tragedies," Cameron said. "By combining this technology with public awareness, we're creating safer roads for everyone."
For more information about this life-saving technology, visit www.haasalert.com.
