San Miguel Fire Department adds digital roadway safety alerts
New system sends real-time warnings to drivers through navigation apps and vehicle dashboards
– The San Miguel Fire Department has implemented a public safety system that delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working at a scene.
The department recently began using HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, a system that sends warnings to drivers through navigation apps and vehicle dashboards. The system is designed to provide drivers with additional warning time and has been shown to reduce collision risks by up to 90%.
California Move Over laws require drivers to slow down and change lanes for active emergency vehicles, but flashing lights and sirens do not always provide sufficient warning, particularly at high speeds or in low-visibility conditions. The system addresses that gap by sending alerts directly to drivers.
Warnings appear automatically in navigation apps, including Waze and Apple Maps. Alerts also display on vehicle dashboards in certain models, including 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, as well as 2024 and newer Volkswagen vehicles.
“This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road,” said Fire Chief Scott Young. “When our emergency warning lights activate, Safety Cloud gives drivers critical extra time to anticipate us and safely react – protecting both our personnel and the public we serve.”
Drivers are not required to take any action beyond using their regular navigation apps to receive the alerts.
San Miguel Fire Department joins more than 4,000 agencies nationwide that are using the system. Expansion to additional vehicle platforms is ongoing.
“Roadside line-of-duty deaths are preventable tragedies,” Young said. “By combining this technology with public awareness, we’re creating safer roads for everyone.”
More information is available at www.haasalert.com.
