Related: Smaller Fire Trucks A Big Addition to Department’s Toolbox
Pierce to Make Collision Avoidance Standard on Custom Fire Apparatus
Custom trucks built in Pierce’s Appleton, Wis., facility will come standard with HAAS Alert, which alerts nearby drivers when an emergency vehicle is nearby.

A hardware device will be installed on new custom Pierce apparatus, keeping motorists aware when a fire truck is nearby.
Photo courtesy of Pierce
Pierce Manufacturing is collaborating with HAAS Alert to offer digital avoidance technology as a standard integration on custom chassis built in Appleton, Wis., and produced for domestic and Canadian municipal customers. HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud sends real-time digital alerts from a hardware device mounted within the cab of a fire truck to a motorist’s mobile device if they are in the vicinity of an emergency vehicle that is in route or positioned at the scene. This alert is sent to the motorist through mobile navigation apps such as Waze and vehicle infotainment screens.
System integration will begin on trucks that are in the production process in early 2020, and the technology will be an available aftermarket solution for apparatus currently in service.
“Distracted driving continues to be a major concern on roadways as members of fire service put themselves at risk while responding to emergencies both in route and positioned at a scene,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Working with HAAS Alert enables us to offer an innovative new way to incorporate technology that extends beyond the fire apparatus to support safety protocol for firefighters and members of the communities they serve.”
Since launching two years ago, the Safety Cloud has delivered more than 100 million driver alerts. The alerts extend the reach of traditional lights and sirens to improve motorist awareness, allowing more time for drivers to make safe maneuvers and comply with Move Over laws.
Ecco Safety Group, which produces safety lighting for law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, and other service vehicles, announced a similar integration with HAAS Alert late last year.
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