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A digital notification system is providing motorists real-time safety alerts when approaching active emergency responders during response or on-scene at an emergency incident.
Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department issued a statement announcing it had recently implemented Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert in department fire engines, trucks and command vehicles.
LPFD began implementation of the system earlier this year and since then over 86,500 vehicles have been notified within the communities of Livermore and Pleasanton.
These alerts have been proven to protect the public and first responders as well as improve compliance with Move Over laws, and reduce the likelihood of secondary collisions near roadside incidents, according to the department’s statement.
“We’re happy to be able to add another level of protection for our firefighters so they can respond to incidents as safely as possible,” said deputy chief Aaron Lacey.
“This service connects and protects the public and our crews in the field and the drivers around them by giving motorists extra time to see us, slow down, and move over safely. As always, we appreciate drivers for watching out for us on the road and abiding by the laws that ensure we all get to our destinations safely,” Lacey added.
Adding an additional digital component to traditional lights and sirens can lower the risk of a collision by up to 90%, LPFD officials said. More than 16,000 collisions involving fire apparatus occur every year, making this a critical tool for keeping first responders safe in the field.
There are a number of ways drivers can receive the alerts including through popular navigation applications like Waze and Apple Maps and directly in the information screen of many newer-model vehicles.
Safety Cloud brings new vehicles and navigation applications onto its platform, meaning more and more drivers will receive digital alerts in their vehicles in the months and years ahead.
For more information, visit www.lpfire.org or call 925-454-2361.
Chief Lacey, What a great idea, (Safety Cloud alerts) for the safety of both the public and emergency personnel. I’m looking forward to seeing this in action. Stay safe, George.