GRAND ISLAND — In an effort to enhance road safety and protect first responders, the Grand Island Fire Department is now integrating HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud® digital alerting into their fire apparatus. This collision prevention service enables the delivery of real-time alerts to Nebraska drivers when emergency services are active in the vicinity.
Safety Cloud boosts driver compliance with Move Over Laws by dispatching real-time notifications when first responders are en route or on-scene. This digital solution effectively enhances lightbars and sirens with additional in-vehicle notification.
This preemptive measure is proven to significantly reduce collision risk by up to 90%, safeguarding both first responders and the motoring public. Despite Nebraska’s Move Over Laws necessitating drivers to decelerate and change lanes when approaching active emergency vehicles, delayed or non-compliant reactions persist.
Safety Cloud addresses this issue by providing up to a 30-second warning, facilitating safer responses. The alerts are accessible via the Waze navigation app and Apple Maps, and are compatible with mobile devices and integrated into the dashboard 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.
“Adopting Safety Cloud adds a layer of protection for our firefighters, facilitating their operations with enhanced safety,” GIFD Public Information Officer Jared Stockwell said. “By providing drivers with additional time to respond appropriately, this service establishes a safer environment for both our crew and surrounding motorists.”
For more information, please contact Communications Manager Spencer Schubert at spencers@grand-island.com.
