FRAMINGHAM, MA — Today, the Massachusetts State Police announced the successful implementation of Safety Cloud, an integrated notification system that alerts drivers to nearby emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens. The real-time information delivered to compatible dashboard systems and navigation mobile apps equip drivers to safely navigate and fulfill their responsibilities under the Commonwealth’s Move Over and Hands Free Laws. Reducing dangerous crashes with emergency vehicles also aligns with the Department’s strategic focus on the safety, health, and wellness of Troopers.

Massachusetts State Troopers, first responders, and highway officials regularly respond to motor vehicle crashes and other situations on highways and thoroughfares that place them at significant risk. Despite officials’ best efforts to use conventional emergency lights and sirens to alert motorists of these activities, these tools do not always capture drivers’ attention. Enhanced soundproofing in vehicle cabins and increased mobile phone use requires law enforcement to do more than ever before to reach distracted drivers and prevent crashes.

In February 2025, the State Police received a $135,000 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant award. The federal program administered by the Office of Grants and Research within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security allowed the Department to install Safety Cloud in 233 marked cruisers patrolling across the Commonwealth.

"This innovative new technology will save lives. It protects law enforcement and first responders when they're responding to emergencies on our roads, while also making it safer for nearby drivers and pedestrians," said Governor Maura Healey. "I applaud Colonel Noble and his team at the State Police for the successful implementation of this game changing notification system."

"The safety of drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement and first responders is always our top priority," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're glad to see that thousands of people have already used this technology, which will reduce crashes with emergency vehicles and enhance safety for us all."

“As an innovative Department committed to using technology to mitigate dangerous situations, the Massachusetts State Police believe Safety Cloud will enhance the safety of Troopers, first responders, and the public we serve,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “By providing automatic, advanced notice to drivers approach an emergency scene or a responding vehicle, we hope they can use good judgement and take action to move over, slow down, and pay extra attention to their surroundings. We appreciate our partners at the Office of Grants and Research, the Executive Office of Public Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who provided funding for this important project.”  

Despite the ongoing statewide efforts to raise awareness of road safety, first responders and highway officials continue to confront the dangerous reality of significant personal injury, loss of life, and property damage. In 2024, the State Police alone had 42 incidents where an operator crashed into a stationary cruiser (either at an emergency, work zone, or while conducting an enforcement activity).

In the first 12 weeks of operation, nearly 900,000 motorists have received advance notice of a cruiser’s presence preventing crashes and allowing these cruisers to respond to emergency scenes quicker and safer.

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This article was originally published on Mass.gov