Emergency Safety Solutions
Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) is a Houston-based automotive technology company that develops the H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) platform, combining enhanced hazard lighting with real-time digital alerts to help drivers avoid collisions with disabled vehicles. The company licenses its patented technology to passenger-vehicle OEMs and sells fleet and government deployments across commercial trucking and roadway work zones.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Emergency Safety Solutions does
Emergency Safety Solutions, Inc. (ESS), founded in October 2018 and headquartered in Houston, TX, is a privately held automotive technology company commercializing its H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) platform. H.E.L.P. combines enhanced hazard lighting operating at 4-6 Hz flash frequencies (compared to the standard 1-2 Hz) with up to 30% increased light intensity, paired with real-time digital alerts distributed through the H.E.L.P. Alert Network to connected vehicles, navigation platforms, and in-dash displays, giving approaching drivers roughly 12 seconds of advance warning before a disabled vehicle is visible. The system can be deployed via over-the-air software update into vehicles with LED lighting and CAN bus body control modules, or via aftermarket hardware for legacy fleets, and holds 46 global patents covering its core methods and lighting designs.
ESS serves three primary markets: passenger-vehicle OEMs (with deployed integrations at Tesla, Volkswagen, and Stellantis covering 1.8 million vehicles via the Safely Aware V2X program), commercial fleets through the H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE configuration (used by tanker fleets, light/medium-duty delivery operators, solid-waste and utility fleets, plus telematics integrations with Phillips Connect and Plus for autonomous trucking), and public-sector roadway operators including state DOTs and emergency responders. Revenue is generated across three streams: technology licensing to OEMs (perpetual and multi-year contracts), recurring subscriptions for fleet deployments integrated through telematics APIs, and unit-priced aftermarket hardware for vehicles without compatible electronics.
The company operates an enterprise field-sales motion targeting OEMs, commercial fleets, and government transportation agencies, supported by heavy regulatory advocacy with NHTSA and FMCSA, which has produced a formal FMVSS 108 compliance interpretation and an in-progress 3-triangle exemption petition. Headcount is approximately 20 employees based in Houston with engineering, operations, and commercial staff distributed globally, and the leadership team was expanded in November 2025 with the additions of a Chairman and a Chief Financial & Administrative Officer.
Emergency Safety Solutions firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Emergency Safety Solutions
- Legal name
- Emergency Safety Solutions, Inc.
- Website
- https://ess-help.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) is a Houston-based automotive technology company that develops the H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) platform, combining enhanced hazard lighting with real-time digital alerts to help drivers avoid collisions with disabled vehicles. The company licenses its patented technology to passenger-vehicle OEMs and sells fleet and government deployments across commercial trucking and roadway work zones.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Emergency Safety Solutions industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Safety Technology
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (56162), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Active Safety Sensing Hardware Manufacturing (Radar/LiDAR/Cameras/Ultrasonic) (IMACAMAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Address, Mass Notification & Emergency Communications Integration (BPAKAGAG), Emergency Communications, Alerting & Public Warning Systems (HLAJAGAF), Emergency, Egress & Exit Lighting (Emergency luminaires, exit signs, battery backup) (IMAGAIAD)
Keywords
Where Emergency Safety Solutions is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Emergency Safety Solutions business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Licensing H.E.L.P. technology to vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) for factory integration into new vehicles. Implementation cost varies by vehicle make and model but is deployed as an original equipment solution for minimal cost.
- Fleet Deployment Solutions: Deploying H.E.L.P. solutions to commercial fleet operators through integration with existing telematics platforms, fleet management systems, or ESS hardware products for retrofit applications.
- Aftermarket/Retrofit Hardware: Hardware-based deployment for retrofit and aftermarket solutions, including transponder-assisted hybrid models and H.E.L.P.-Ready pre-wiring for vehicles.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | OEM Factory Integration |
| Subscription | Annual | Fleet Deployment |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Aftermarket Hardware |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Emergency Safety Solutions product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Emergency Safety Solutions provides the H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) intelligent emergency communications platform, which combines enhanced hazard lighting (4-6 Hz flash frequency, 30% increased intensity) with real-time digital alerts distributed through connected vehicle and navigation systems. The platform is licensed to automotive OEMs for factory integration, sold to commercial fleet operators for telematics integration, and offered as aftermarket hardware for retrofit, aiming to prevent secondary collisions with disabled vehicles.
Product overview
Emergency Safety Solutions offers a unified product platform built around the H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) technology. The core platform consists of two integrated sub-products: H.E.L.P. Lighting Alerts (enhanced emergency lighting at 4-6 Hz with 30% increased intensity) and H.E.L.P. Digital Alerts (real-time notifications through the H.E.L.P. Alert Network). These are complemented by H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE for commercial fleet configurations, the H.E.L.P. API for OEM and telematics integration, and multiple integration approaches (software-only, hardware retrofit, hybrid, and pre-wiring). The platform operates as an Advance Warning Solution that combines visual conspicuity with digital connectivity to deliver multi-layered protection.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) ESS's flagship intelligent emergency communications platform combining enhanced hazard lighting with real-time digital alerts that notify approaching drivers of stopped or vulnerable vehicles, giving them critical extra time to react and avoid collisions. Designed for integration by automotive OEMs, commercial fleet operators, and government transportation agencies.
- H.E.L.P. Lighting Alerts Enhanced emergency lighting system operating at 4-6 Hz flash frequencies (vs standard 1-2 Hz) with up to 30% increased light intensity, making disabled vehicles highly visible through synchronized headlight, taillight, and turn signal patterns. Activates manually (double-press hazard button), automatically upon crash events (airbag deployment), or via safety event triggers (tire blowout, engine failure).
- H.E.L.P. Digital Alerts Real-time digital notifications broadcast through the H.E.L.P. Alert Network to connected vehicles, navigation platforms, and in-dash displays, alerting approaching drivers via Road Awareness Alerts before the hazard is visible.
- H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE H.E.L.P. configuration specifically designed for commercial fleets, providing automatic hazard detection for stopped trucks or delivery vehicles with drivers in cab or outside completing stops. Tailored for Class 8 trucks, delivery vans, and specialty fleets.
- H.E.L.P. API Application programming interface enabling OEMs, telematics platforms, and connected vehicle systems to broadcast hazard events into the H.E.L.P. Alert Network and receive alerts detected by other vehicles. Designed to interoperate with major telematics and fleet management platforms through direct API connection and partner integrations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Drivers slow down and move over up to 360 meters (nearly 4 football fields) away from H.E.L.P.-equipped vehicles compared to standard hazard lights
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Emergency Safety Solutions
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Emergency Safety Solutions technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability1 record
Feature4 records
Emergency Safety Solutions partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Phillips ConnectcorePhillips Connect announced new enhancements to its smart trailer technology platform integrating data from ESS and other equipment partners including Bendix and Maxon. The updates provide fleets with deeper operational insights into critical trailer systems including roadside safety, brake systems, and liftgate intelligence.
- Ottawa InfotainmentcoreIntegration of H.E.L.P. hazard alert technology into Ottawa Infotainment's DragonFire OS platform to help reduce disabled and vulnerable vehicle crashes in the U.S. The collaboration streamlines safety technology deployment by pre-integrating H.E.L.P. alerts into the digital vehicle environment, enabling quicker adoption by automakers and fleet operators.
- TeslaflagshipGlobal implementation deal for H.E.L.P. technology in Tesla vehicles. Tesla is installing new technology to prevent disabled vehicle accidents through over-the-air updates, making cars safer via software upgrades.
- VolkswagenflagshipVolkswagen added H.E.L.P. collision avoidance alerts to its VW Car-Net connected vehicle services suite. Collaboration demonstrated at CES 2024 showing breakthrough cross-automaker safety communications.
- StellantiscoreIndustry-leading V2X activation equipping 1.8 million Stellantis vehicles with emergency vehicle alert system through Safely Aware program.
- PluscoreAutonomous driving technology leader Plus added H.E.L.P. alerts in preparation for launch of commercial driverless trucking operations.
- VOXX Electronics / VOXX AutomotivecoreDeal to make H.E.L.P. intelligent emergency communications available to virtually every passenger and commercial vehicle on the road through VOXX Electronics/VOXX Automotive hardware and distribution capabilities.
- Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)coreResearch partnership conducting Phase 1 (optimal flash rate definition) and Phase 2 (real-world driver response) studies validating H.E.L.P. effectiveness. VTTI is a global leader in transportation safety research.
- Alliance for Automotive InnovationcoreESS joined the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, working side by side with automakers, fleet operators, policymakers, and safety advocates to drive meaningful change in transportation safety.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Emergency Safety Solutions competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Valeo: Global Tier 1 automotive supplier with a substantial lighting and ADAS portfolio. Comparable to ESS as an established provider of automotive safety and visibility technology serving OEMs worldwide, though Valeo's scope is much broader than H.E.L.P.'s focused emergency-alert niche.
- HELLA (Forvia): Major automotive lighting and electronics supplier owned by Forvia. Directly comparable to ESS in the vehicle lighting and signaling product category, particularly for commercial vehicle applications where H.E.L.P. competes for the same OEM and fleet wallet share.
- Gentex Corporation: Supplier of automotive electronic features including auto-dimming mirrors, connected car, and driver assistance technologies. Comparable as an automotive electronics specialist selling integrated safety/visibility features into OEM vehicle programs.
- Mobileye (Intel): Market-leading ADAS and autonomous driving technology company. Comparable to ESS as a provider of vehicle safety perception and warning systems, though operating at a much larger scale and addressing broader ADAS use cases.
- Continental AG: Global automotive Tier 1 with extensive ADAS, V2X, and lighting portfolios. Comparable to ESS as a developer of vehicle safety and connected-vehicle systems serving OEM platforms worldwide, with significantly broader capabilities.
- Robert Bosch GmbH (Mobility): Diversified automotive supplier with strong ADAS, V2X, and sensor businesses. Comparable to ESS as a vehicle safety technology supplier with global OEM relationships and connected-vehicle platform capabilities.
- Autoliv, Inc. World's largest automotive safety supplier specializing in restraint systems and active safety electronics. Comparable to ESS as an automotive safety systems provider selling into OEM vehicle programs globally.
Direct peers
- VOXX Automotive: ESS's distribution partner for aftermarket deployment of H.E.L.P. technology. Highly comparable as an automotive aftermarket electronics company offering connected safety, security, and consumer vehicle features through retail and OEM channels.
- Grote Industries: Commercial vehicle lighting and safety systems manufacturer and ESS collaboration partner. Highly comparable to ESS as a specialist provider of vehicle visibility and signaling solutions for the commercial trucking and fleet market.
Emerging players
- Samsara Inc. Connected fleet operations platform with telematics, video-based safety, and asset tracking. Comparable to ESS as a provider of technology deployed into commercial fleets to improve roadside and operational safety, with overlapping channel access into fleet operators.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Emergency Safety Solutions social profiles
Digital presenceEmergency Safety Solutions compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Emergency Safety Solutions financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Emergency Safety Solutions leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Emergency Safety Solutions funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Emergency Safety Solutions M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Emergency Safety Solutions
What does Emergency Safety Solutions do?
Emergency Safety Solutions provides the H.E.L.P. (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) intelligent emergency communications platform, which combines enhanced hazard lighting (4-6 Hz flash frequency, 30% increased intensity) with real-time digital alerts distributed through connected vehicle and navigation systems. The platform is licensed to automotive OEMs for factory integration, sold to commercial fleet operators for telematics integration, and offered as aftermarket hardware for retrofit, aiming to prevent secondary collisions with disabled vehicles.
Is Emergency Safety Solutions a public or private company?
Emergency Safety Solutions is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Emergency Safety Solutions founded?
Emergency Safety Solutions was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Emergency Safety Solutions based?
Emergency Safety Solutions is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Emergency Safety Solutions make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are fleet Deployment Solutions and aftermarket/Retrofit Hardware.
Who are Emergency Safety Solutions's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Valeo, HELLA (Forvia), Gentex Corporation, Mobileye (Intel), Continental AG, Robert Bosch GmbH (Mobility) and Autoliv, Inc.. Direct peers are VOXX Automotive and Grote Industries. Samsara Inc. is listed as an emerging player.
Does Emergency Safety Solutions have an API?
Yes. The H.E.L.P. API enables OEMs, telematics platforms, and connected vehicle systems to broadcast hazard events into the H.E.L.P. Alert Network and receive alerts detected by other vehicles. The API distributes hazard signals to approaching vehicles through partner navigation apps and connected vehicle platforms, delivering Road Awareness Alerts to driver displays before the hazard is in sight. The API is designed to interoperate with major telematics and fleet management platforms through direct API connection and partner integrations.
What industry is Emergency Safety Solutions in?
Emergency Safety Solutions's product category is Automotive Safety Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAMAF, Active Safety Sensing Hardware Manufacturing (Radar/LiDAR/Cameras/Ultrasonic), with a secondary code of BPAKAGAG, Public Address, Mass Notification & Emergency Communications Integration. Its NAICS code is 56162 and its SIC code is 3823.