CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Upgraded technology in township fire and EMS vehicles should keep first responders and motorists safer on the road.

The Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company and Cranberry Township EMS now have vehicles equipped with HAAS Alert, an automotive technology company focused on improving traffic safety. Via the Safety Cloud platform, HAAS sends digital alerts to drivers from emergency responders and allows responders to communicate with one another.

The alerts are sent automatically to drivers up to 30 seconds before they reach a roadway hazard, allowing ample time for motorists to switch lanes. Alerts are sent applications like Waze, and Stellantis’ in-vehicle Emergency Vehicle Alert System in compatible 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles.

This improves safety by reducing collisions and “struck-by” incidents, which are emergency responders' leading causes of injury and death. This includes distracted driving, one of the largest hazards first responders face while working on roadways.

“This technology not only keeps us safe, but it provides peace of mind for our men and women as they do their jobs,” Scott Garing, Cranberry Township Chief of Fire & Emergency Services, said in a release. “With the amount of work we do on major roadways, this system could help prevent a serious incident from occurring.”

The system is integrated with the safety vehicles’ onboard mapping system, allowing responders to monitor incident statistics and enhance short-term safety.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve how we respond and keep our staff and the public safe,” Cranberry EMS Executive Director Matt Nickl said. “This system is another tool that allows us to serve the community effectively.”

Originally published by Eric Heyl of Patch