The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) launched the Digital Alerting program to improve roadway safety and reduce struck-by incidents involving emergency vehicles. DVRPC selected NEWCOM to support implementation of this initiative, designed to enhance first responder vehicles with digital alerting capabilities. NEWCOM collaborated with HAAS Alert and regional agencies to install the system and activate Safety Cloud® digital alerting.
The Challenge
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) was in search of a partner to help implement the Delaware Valley Region Digital Alerting program to increase awareness of roadside hazards and encourage compliance with Slow Down, Move Over laws. The region’s roadways are heavily trafficked and prone to serious incidents, posing a significant risk to both first responders and the public.
DVRPC recognized the opportunity to reduce risk through a comprehensive digital alerting solution that enhances situational awareness. DVRPC faced many challenges to initiate the program. Deploying HAAS Alert transponders and integration of the Safety Cloud platform required coordination with more than 100 agencies and installation across over 500 emergency response vehicles, including PennDOT Freeway Service Patrol units.
Addressing the Challenges
To implement this complex, region-wide initiative, DVRPC proactively sought a highly qualified partner through a competitive bidding process. Achieving DVRPC’s goal of improving roadway safety through digital alerting required a contractor with proven expertise in seamless technical integration, multi-agency coordination, and strategic guidance.
”DVRPC is deeply committed to improving safety for both first responders and the public.
Chris KingOffice of Transportation Operations Management, DVRPC
As part of our Traffic Incident Management program, the Digital Alerting initiative plays
a vital role in that effort. We appreciate our partnership with NEWCOM and HAAS Alert,
and their role in helping us bring this innovative safety technology to agencies across the
region.”
Proposed Solution
NEWCOM was awarded the contract through a public bid process to implement the Delaware Valley Region Digital Alerting program, enabling public safety agencies partnered with DVRPC to access Safety Cloud. The program equips emergency vehicles operating on regional roadways (e.g. fire apparatus, law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, etc.) with digital alerting capabilities through vehicle infotainment centers and mobile navigation apps.
In collaboration with HAAS Alert, NEWCOM delivers a turnkey solution that includes Safety Cloud subscriptions for Responder-to-Vehicle (R2V) alerts, installation of HA-7 transponders or integration with existing Ericsson HA-D routers, as well as full project management and post-sale support. NEWCOM serves as the central coordinator among DVRPC, HAAS Alert, Ericsson, and local agencies to ensure efficient, region-wide deployment.
Key Enhancements
Future Plans
DVRPC equipped more than 500 vehicles in the first year and will continue the initiative for four years, with funding covering installation costs, subscription fees, and ongoing support services for previously installed vehicles. NEWCOM will continue to work with regional agencies to install the system and activate Safety Cloud services. NEWCOM will ensure new device integration with existing systems, such as Ericsson routers previously installed in vehicles for a complete digital alerting network for DVRPC.
Summary
Through its partnerships, NEWCOM and HAAS Alert are supporting DVRPC to deliver advanced digital alerting capabilities to improve safety for first responders and the traveling public. The DVRPC Digital Alerting program includes over 100 agencies and more than 500 emergency response vehicles across Greater Philadelphia, including southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Safety Cloud alerts help reduce the risk of struck-by incidents by notifying drivers of emergency vehicles before they are visible. As a result, increasing awareness and compliance with Slow Down, Move Over laws.
Our Partner
”The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Digital Alerting program is an amazing example of a regional collaboration aimed at connecting and protecting first responders county wide. We’re grateful to the NEWCOM team for their partnership in making this program a reality.”
Tim AdamsDirector, Transportation Safety Strategy & Programs, HAAS Alert
