Hartford Fire and Rescue announced that its implemented a new alert system to help inform motorists of incoming or nearby emergency personnel.

According to the department, all three of Hartford’s ambulances as well as one of its engines have been outfitted with HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud, a new public safety solution delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working on scene. These alerts electronic notification sent directly to drivers inside their vehicles through navigation apps and some cars’ in-vehicle display systems.

"When one of those vehicles is driving on the road with its emergency lights activated, it will notify people who are using navigation apps as well as some newer vehicles with in-vehicle displays that there is an emergency vehicle approaching and that they should pull over," said Hartford Fire Chief Tony Burgard. "It also recognizes when our vehicles are stopped and not moving to alert drivers that there is an emergency scene ahead so they can slow down and move over."

The notifications are meant to reduce the risk of collision by delivering real-time notifications directly to nearby and approaching motorists, warning drivers of emergency vehicles and crews, work zones, and other hazards and allowing them more time to slow down, move over and make safer maneuvers. According to information from the HAAS website, so far, the technology has been proven to reduce the risk of collision by up to 90%.

"Nationally, there are roughly 50-60 first responders that are killed every year due to roadside crashes where we’re operating at an emergency scene," Burgard said. "So, the more heads up warning we can offer out, the safer we can all be."

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This article was originally published by the staff at Washington County Daily News