Pierce Makes Collision Avoidance Standard

Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has collaborated with HAAS, Inc. to offer digital collision avoidance technology as a standard feature on Appleton, Wisconsin-built custom chassis produced for domestic and Canadian municipal customers, and as an available aftermarket solution for apparatus in service.

HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud works by sending real-time digital alerts from a hardware device mounted within the cab of a fire truck to nearby motorists via mobile navigation apps such as Waze and vehicle infotainment screens. The company's collision avoidance technology sends an alert 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.

The risk of collision between a civilian vehicle and an emergency vehicle can be greatly reduced when nearby drivers receive an advanced warning about the hazardous situation, according to a 2013 study from the University of Minnesota.

"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."

System integration will begin on trucks that are in the production process in early 2020.

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.