By: Richard L. Smith
The Summit Fire Department has introduced advanced technology to enhance safety for both first responders and the public, becoming the first fire department in New Jersey to deploy the new R2R® Collision Prevention system by HAAS Alert Safety Cloud®.
According to information from an official statement, Summit began installing HAAS Alert’s R2V® (Responder-to-Vehicle) system across its fire apparatus in January 2024.
This system delivers real-time digital alerts through navigation apps like Waze and Apple Maps, notifying nearby drivers up to 30 seconds in advance when emergency vehicles are approaching or on the move.
The goal: reduce collision risk by encouraging drivers to slow down or safely change lanes. Studies show the technology can cut crash risks by up to 90%.
Most recently, the department has added the R2R® (Responder-to-Responder) feature, a new module designed to alert fire personnel when another emergency vehicle is nearby and potentially on a collision course.
The system uses dashboard or windshield-mounted lights that flash a warning 10 to 15 seconds ahead of a possible incident.
“This new module provides another layer of important protection for our firefighters, whether they are responding to a call or simply navigating everyday traffic,” said Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers. “Enhanced situational awareness helps us make effective decisions and take preventative actions when necessary.”
By leading the state in adopting this responder-to-responder technology, Summit continues to set a high standard in public safety innovation.