Fire Chief

Mich. Department Deploys Crew-Protection Vehicle at Crash Sites (with Related Video)

The truck features directional arrow lights and an attenuator designed to absorb the energy of a crash in case another vehicle hits it.

The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Fire Department has modified a dump truck, now dubbed Utility 2, to be used to divert traffic on busy roads while police and fire officials respond to accidents. The truck features directional arrow lights and an attenuator designed to absorb the energy of a crash in case another vehicle hits it.

The move comes after three crashes in an eight-month span caused nearly $150,000 in damages to fire trucks that were being used to divert traffic.

Utility 2 is a collaborative effort between the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Michigan Department of Transportation and the Kent County Road Commission.

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