In-car alarm warns drivers of ambulances before sirens

An in-car alert is helping drivers make way for ambulances before they can see or hear them, DR reports.

The Saphe device warns nearby users about emergency vehicles, giving them more time to react and make space. In 60 days, it alerted almost 70,000 road users during just over 2,300 emergency callouts, according to Saphe.

PreMed, which operates ambulances in North Jutland Region, says the warning has made a difference. Paramedic and staff representative Peter Jensen, from the company’s station in Aars, said drivers previously often reacted only when an ambulance was close, leading to sudden braking and repeated changes in speed.

“Now we reach people faster,” Jensen said. He added that earlier warnings also give the colleague in the back of the ambulance better conditions to treat the patient on the way and can help the crew arrive more quickly and safely.

The system is being introduced in more parts of the country, with the ambition of making it available nationwide soon. An estimated one million drivers across Denmark have a Saphe alarm in their car.