Jonesboro, Arkansas – Drivers in Jonesboro may now receive a digital warning when a fire truck is approaching, giving them additional time to react and safely clear a path for emergency responders.
The Jonesboro Fire Department announced Tuesday that it has started using Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert, a system designed to send digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are nearby.
The technology is intended to provide another layer of warning for drivers who might not immediately hear or see an approaching fire truck. Even with a vehicle’s windows closed and the stereo turned up, motorists with compatible technology can receive an alert through their vehicle or navigation system.
According to the department’s news release, the warnings can appear on the in-dash systems of certain vehicles. Drivers may also receive the notifications through navigation applications including Waze and Apple Maps.
The system is currently available for some newer vehicles. The department said alerts are supported on Volkswagen models from 2024 and newer, as well as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles from 2018 and newer.
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The digital notifications are designed to give motorists more time to recognize that an emergency vehicle is approaching and take the appropriate action. That can include slowing down and moving over when required.
The Jonesboro Fire Department said the system could also help reduce the danger created when emergency responders are traveling through traffic. Fire trucks responding to calls need drivers to react quickly, but traditional warning methods such as sirens and emergency lights are not always noticed immediately.
“By giving you extra time to slow down and move over, Safety Cloud helps reduce collision risks by up to 90%,” the JFD news release said, adding that it also supports compliance with Arkansas’ Move Over laws.
The department’s adoption of the technology comes as emergency agencies continue to look for ways to improve safety around responding vehicles. A digital notification can work alongside the traditional lights and sirens already used by fire trucks, providing drivers with another signal that they need to pay attention.
For motorists with compatible vehicles or navigation applications, the new system means an approaching fire truck may now trigger a warning before the emergency vehicle comes into view. The goal is to give drivers a few additional moments to respond safely while allowing firefighters to continue toward their destination.
