WSP rolling out alerts to warn drivers of approaching emergency vehicles

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is introducing a new safety alert system to notify drivers of approaching emergency vehicles.

Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert would give drivers more time to be prepared for having to stop, slow down, or change lanes for local authorities by sending a notification to their phone or car’s dashboard.

“There’s two different types of alerts,” Haley Shipman, project manager for Safety Cloud, told KIRO Newsradio. “The moving alert is the advance notice that a trooper is approaching your direction, and that just gives you enough time to slow down and get over to get out of their way. The stationary alerts are for when a trooper is up ahead on the side of the road and can ensure enough space for both themselves and roadway users.”

WSP: Safety Cloud proven cut crash risk by 90%

A news release from WSP states flashing lights and sirens often don’t provide enough warning to drivers. The agency added that Safety Cloud has been proven to minimize collision risk by up to 90%.

“This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road,” Shipman stated in the news release. “When our lights activate, Safety Cloud gives drivers critical extra time to anticipate us and safety react–protecting both our personnel and the public we serve.”

WSP plans to test-run this program in June, starting in the North Bend area. No action is required by drivers in order to start receiving the notifications.

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