New Digital Alerts System Unveiled To Warn Largo Drivers Of Fire Rescue Responders

LARGO, FL — Drivers in Largo can now receive real-time digital alerts when fire apparatus is active nearby through a new service added to all Largo Fire Rescue vehicles.

Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert protects first responders and roadway fleets from accidents involving inattentive drivers and improves a driver's compliance with "Move Over" law by sending real-time notifications to drivers approaching active responders en route or at a scene.

The service reduces the risk of drivers colliding with responders by adding a digital component to lights and sirens.

Drivers can receive the alerts through the Waze navigation app, available on mobile devices and in the dashboard of many newer-model vehicles.

HAAS Alert is working to expand the alerts to other services and vehicles so that all drivers can receive these road safety alerts.

Even though Florida's "Move Over" law requires drivers to slow down and move one lane over when approaching active emergency vehicles, many drivers still react slowly or fail to move over.

Safety Cloud alerts give drivers up to 30 seconds of advance warning.

"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 Largo Fire Chief Chad Pittman. "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."

Click here for more information on HAAS Alert.