Story originally published by Maricopa Monitor

MARICOPA — The introduction of an emergency vehicle alert in Maricopa is designed to help both first responders and civilian travelers share the road together in a safer way.

According to the city press release, these real-time digital alerts let people know when the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department is active nearby.

Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert sends drivers notifications of active first responders on scene or en route. It improves driver compliance with the Move Over laws and keeps both groups safer.

It reduces the risk of collision and improves awareness, adding a digital aspect to sirens and lights.

These alerts come from navigation apps, Waze and Apple Maps, on mobile devices and dashboards of newer-model vehicles.

Recently, Safety Cloud expanded to over 4 million vehicles, partnering with Stellantis, a global automaker.

Newer models and 2018 vehicles such as Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Ram receive these alerts through the new Emergency Vehicle Alert System feature.

HAAS Alert continues working on this critical alert expansion to other vehicles and services, so every driver can receive them.

Even with Arizona’s Move Over laws, requiring drivers to slow down and move one lane over when active emergency vehicles approach, many still react slowly or don’t move over. These alerts give drivers up to 30 seconds of advance warning to help with this issue.

“We’re excited to add another level of protection for our firefighters in order to make sure they are able to do their jobs as safely as possible,” said Brad Pitassi, interim fire chief. “This service connects and protects our crews in the field and the drivers around them by giving motorists extra time to see us, slow down and move over safely. Apple Maps and Waze are free-to-use apps, so we encourage drivers to get advanced warning of our presence when we’re actively responding.”

The new engine replaces a 1986 fire engine. Comparing the two engines is difficult.

“They are night and day different,” Haase said, excited about the new engine’s capabilities. “The 1986 engine no longer meets standards put forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standards put forth by the NFPA states that fire apparatus should be upgraded to meet current standards or replaced after 25 years. The new engine will provide a more reliable apparatus with more capabilities.”

The new engine replaces a 1986 fire engine. Comparing the two engines is difficult.

“They are night and day different,” Haase said, excited about the new engine’s capabilities. “The 1986 engine no longer meets standards put forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standards put forth by the NFPA states that fire apparatus should be upgraded to meet current standards or replaced after 25 years. The new engine will provide a more reliable apparatus with more capabilities.”