Image: Hope Fire Department / Fire officials in Hope say the Hope Fire Department has taken a significant step in improving first responder and motorist safety through a tech solution that alerts motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working nearby.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Hope Fire Department

Hope Fire activates new digital alert to protect first responders and motorists alike

May 8, 2025 | 10:37 AM

HOPE — Fire officials in Hope say the Hope Fire Department has taken a significant step in improving first responder and motorist safety through a tech solution that alerts motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working nearby.

In a statement from Fire Chief Thomas Cameron, Hope Fire Department has embraced HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, a public safety solution that delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working on scene. This life-saving technology provides drivers with crucial extra warning time – proven to reduce collision risks by up to 90 per cent.

While the provincial “Slow Down Move Over” law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes for active emergency vehicles, flashing lights and sirens often don’t provide enough warning to drivers, especially at high speeds or in poor visibility. Hope Fire says Safety Cloud solves this by delivering safety alerts to drivers through multiple channels:

* Navigation apps: Automatic warnings appear in Waze and Apple Maps

* Vehicle dashboards: Built-in alerts for 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, plus 2024 and newer Volkswagen vehicles

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“This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road,” said Chief Thomas Cameron. “When our lights activate, Safety Cloud gives drivers critical extra time to anticipate us and safely react – protecting both emergency personnel and the public we serve.”

The system requires no action from drivers beyond using their regular navigation apps. Hope Fire joins more than 4,000 agencies nationwide already using this protection system, with HAAS Alert actively expanding to additional vehicle platforms.

“Roadside line-of-duty deaths are preventable tragedies,” added Chief Cameron. “By combining this technology with public awareness, we’re creating safer roads for everyone.” For more information about this life-saving technology, visit www.haasalert.com.