Troy council extends HAAS Alert safety system for fire vehicles

Troy City Council on July 28 approved a contract extension for HAAS AlertSafety Cloud Advanced Collision Prevention for the Troy Fire Department.

Fire Chief Pete Hollinger told the council the system, installed in 24 department vehicles, sends a signal when emergency warning lights are activated so navigation apps and some built-in car systems warn drivers they are approaching an emergency scene or an emergency vehicle. Hollinger said the city has averaged about 4,000 driver notifications per month during the three-year use of the service and that the new contract would include a 13% discount as the company develops new products.

The council asked about broader deployment beyond fire apparatus, including EMS and police vehicles; Hollinger said the system can be used across other emergency fleets but that current Troy deployment is limited to fire vehicles and staff cars. He also distinguished HAAS Alert from the city's Opticom traffic-preemption system, which changes traffic lights for responding vehicles.

Council member Chamberlain moved to approve the contract extension; Mayor Pro Tem Gunn supported the motion. The roll-call vote was recorded by City Clerk Dixon: Brooks, Chamberlain Kringa, Chanda, Mayor Pro Tem Gunn, Hamilton, Hodrick and Mayor Baker all voted yes. The motion carried.

The council did not provide a timetable tonight for extending the system to EMS or police vehicles. Chief Hollinger said the department will supply additional data on collision reductions and broader evaluation upon request.