Westerly, RI – In an effort to enhance road safety and protect first responders, Westerly Fire Department is launching a trial of HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud® digital alerting system on its Special Hazards vehicle. This investment is part of the department’s commitment to keeping our volunteers safe while responding to emergencies.

Safety Cloud boosts driver compliance with Move Over laws by dispatching real-time notifications when responders are en route or on-scene. This digital solution enhances traditional lightbars and sirens with additional in-vehicle notifications, significantly reducing the risk of collisions with emergency personnel.

Safety Cloud delivers immediate warnings to drivers about the presence of emergency vehicles or road workers, a measure proven to lower secondary collision risks by up to 90%. Despite Rhode Island Move Over laws requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching active emergency vehicles, delayed or non-compliant reactions remain a concern. Safety Cloud addresses this by providing up to 30 seconds of advance warning, helping drivers react more safely.

These alerts are accessible through the Waze navigation app and Apple Maps on mobile devices, as well as in the infotainment screens of millions of vehicles, including 2024+ Volkswagen models and 2018+ Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with the Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS). HAAS Alert is actively expanding compatibility with additional platforms and manufacturers.

"Adopting Safety Cloud adds a crucial layer of protection for our volunteers, allowing them to operate with enhanced safety," said Captain Sam Homsi. "By giving drivers more time to react appropriately, this technology makes the road safer for both our responders and the public. We encourage all drivers to use Waze and Apple Maps to receive these critical safety alerts."

For more information about HAAS Alert, visit www.haasalert.com.