Summit Fire Department is integrating a collision prevention service into its fire apparatus that will deliver immediate warnings to New Jersey drivers when emergency vehicles are active in the vicinity. The HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud® digital alerting service has been proven to significantly reduce collision risks by up to 90%, safeguarding both first responders and the motoring public.
New Jersey’s Move Over laws require drivers to decelerate and change lanes when approaching active emergency vehicles. To help reduce delayed or non-compliant reactions by motorists and facilitate safety for first responders, the new Safety Cloud system will issue up to 30 seconds of preemptive warning on the Waze navigation app and Apple Maps. It is compatible with mobile devices and GPS systems that are integrated into the dashboard of many motor vehicles, specifically 2018 and newer models of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge through the Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) feature. HAAS Alert has plans to enhance compatibility to more platforms and vehicles.
"Adopting this new Safety Cloud will add a layer of protection for firefighters when they are facilitating operations on highways," explains Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers. "Providing drivers with additional time to respond appropriately creates a safer environment for both first responders and motorists. We look forward to the service expanding to include more platforms and vehicles to allow more motorists to benefit from these vital road safety alerts."
Since January 2024, Summit Fire Department has installed Safety Cloud technology in two of its seven emergency vehicles and expects the process to be completed by the end of April 2024. The department responded to approximately 237 calls in 2023 on major highways in the area, including routes 78 and 24. In September 2021, a motorist struck Summit Engine 1 while it was providing a safety block at an accident on Route 24 near Summit, injuring both the motorist and a Summit firefighter. The department discovered Safety Cloud when it began researching solutions to minimize the likelihood of collisions with first responders beyond additional lights and reflective surfaces.
Chief Evers continues: “This innovative integration not only underscores our commitment to operational excellence but also elevates adherence to New Jersey’s vital Move Over laws. By providing preemptive alerts to drivers, we are fostering a safer, more responsive driving environment, significantly reducing the risk of collisions. It is a collective step forward in our ongoing pursuit of achieving zero incidents on our roads.”
More information on the Summit Fire Department is available here. For more information about HAAS Alert, visit haasalert.com.
