FULTONDALE, Ala. — In a bid to improve road safety and protect first responders, Fultondale Fire and Rescue has integrated HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud digital alerting system into their fire apparatus. This collision prevention service sends real-time alerts to Alabama drivers when emergency services are active nearby.

Safety Cloud enhances driver compliance with Move Over laws by dispatching notifications when first responders are en route or on-scene. This digital solution supplements traditional lightbars and sirens with in-vehicle notifications, reducing the likelihood of collisions with first responders.

The system delivers immediate warnings to drivers about the proximity of emergency vehicles or road workers, significantly reducing collision risks by up to 90%, according to HAAS Alert. This measure aims to safeguard both first responders and the motoring public.

Despite Alabama's Move Over laws requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching active emergency vehicles, delayed or non-compliant reactions remain an issue. Safety Cloud addresses this by providing up to 30 seconds of preemptive warning, facilitating safer responses.

The alerts are accessible via the Waze navigation app and Apple Maps, compatible with mobile devices, and integrated into the dashboards of many modern vehicles. Safety Cloud alerts are also available on the infotainment screens of millions of vehicles, specifically 2018 and newer models of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge, through the EVAS (Emergency Vehicle Alert System) feature. HAAS Alert is working to expand its alerts to more platforms and vehicles.

"Adopting Safety Cloud adds a layer of protection for our crew, facilitating their operations with enhanced safety," said Chief Justin McKenzie. "By providing drivers with additional time to respond appropriately, this service establishes a safer environment for both our crew and surrounding motorists. We strongly recommend drivers to utilize Waze and Apple Maps, both free-to-use apps, to benefit from these vital road safety alerts."

This article was originally published by the staff at ABC 33/40