The Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with advanced safety features, including Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts. This feature provides drivers with real-time notifications when an emergency vehicle is nearby, helping them stay alert and make way for emergency responders. If you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee and would like to know how to enable or disable this feature, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.
How Emergency Vehicle Detection Works
The advancement of connected vehicle technology has opened up new possibilities for enhancing road safety. Stellantis, the global automaker, has introduced the Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) as a standard feature in its Uconnect connected vehicle platform.
This innovative system provides drivers with in-vehicle notifications of nearby emergency vehicles and other roadway hazards. In addition to EVAS, Stellantis is now exploring the Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol (H.E.L.P.), which aims to improve driver safety by alerting them to disabled vehicles on the road.
EVAS: Notifying Drivers of Emergency Vehicles
The EVAS feature, available in Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep® brand vehicles manufactured from 2018 onwards, utilizes the Uconnect platform to keep drivers informed about their surroundings. EVAS leverages vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity and receives alerts from HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform. HAAS Alert is a digital alerting solution used by numerous public and private roadway fleets in North America.
Through EVAS, drivers receive notifications of active fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles in close proximity. This real-time information helps drivers stay aware and make way for emergency responders promptly. By integrating V2X connectivity with in-vehicle technology, Stellantis is at the forefront of providing connected customers with enhanced safety features.
H.E.L.P.: Enhancing Road Safety for Disabled Vehicles
Building upon the success of EVAS, Stellantis is exploring the Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol (H.E.L.P.) in collaboration with Emergency Safety Solutions Inc. H.E.L.P. aims to address the dangers posed by disabled vehicles on the road, particularly during low visibility or nighttime conditions. Research published in Accident Analysis and Prevention highlights that disabled vehicles contribute to frequent crashes and injuries.
H.E.L.P. functions by sending notifications about a disabled vehicle and its precise location to HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform. This information is then transmitted to approaching vehicles equipped with Uconnect or other mobile and in-dash systems connected to Safety Cloud. Drivers receive these notifications, providing them with 15-20 seconds of advance warning, which equates to approximately a quarter mile/0.5 kilometers at highway speeds.
The potential integration of H.E.L.P. with LED lighting in equipped vehicles introduces an additional safety feature called H.E.L.P. Lighting Alerts. This feature flashes hazard warning lights and other exterior lamps in a scientifically tuned rate and pattern, effectively grabbing the attention of oncoming drivers.
Enable or disable Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts
Step 1: Navigate to the Vehicle Settings
To begin, locate the center screen display in your Jeep Grand Cherokee. This screen serves as the control panel for various vehicle settings and features.
On the bottom category bar of the center screen, look for the “Vehicle” option. Tap on it to access the vehicle-related settings.
Step 2: Open the Settings Menu
In the top right corner of the screen, you will find a “Settings” button. Tap on it to open the settings menu.
Step 3: Access the Safety & Driving Assistance Settings
Within the settings menu, you will see a list of options. Look for “Safety & Driving Assistance” and select it to proceed.
Step 4: Locate Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts
Once you enter the Safety & Driving Assistance settings, a list of available features will be displayed on the right side of the screen. Scroll through the list until you find the option labeled “Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts.”
Step 5: Enable or Disable the Alerts
To enable the Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts, toggle the switch or check the box next to the option. This ensures that you receive alerts when an emergency vehicle is detected nearby.
If you wish to disable the alerts, simply toggle the switch or uncheck the box next to the “Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts” option. This will turn off the feature and prevent any future notifications.
Step 6: Confirm and Exit
Once you have made your selection, confirm your choice by following any on-screen prompts that may appear. After confirming, you can exit the settings menu.
Conclusion:
Enabling or disabling the Emergency Vehicle Detection Alerts in a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you can customize this feature according to your preferences. Remember, these alerts can be invaluable in helping you remain aware of emergency vehicles in your vicinity and allow you to take appropriate action to ensure safety on the road.
