Driving Refresher

1
Driving Refresher

• February 2007

2
Three Steps

• Classroom review of Driving Procedure
• Slow speed driving course
• With Department Driving Instructor
• Street drive
• With Department Driving Instructor
• Submit the paperwork to Training/Safety

3
???Why, Why, Why???
4
V.F.I.S. Stats
1980 Penn. Study
5
(No Transcript)
6
Type of Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes
7
2001 Fatality Statistics

• 20 of all fatalities (23 out of 102)
• Responding and Returning from alarms
• 12 due to motor vehicle accidents
• 6 POV
• 1 Engine
• 4 Tenders
• 1 Command Vehicle

Excludes the 341 FDNY Firefighters killed in the
WTC
8
Special Study on MVAs

• 1990 2000
• 22 of all FF fatalities result of MVAs
• Recommendation
• Drivers Training
• Response Criteria
• Intersections
• Seatbelts
• POVs

9
Seat Belts

• Only 21 of firefighters killed in motor vehicle
  accidents from 1990 2000 were wearing their
  seatbelt.
• We preach to the public about wearing them, but
  do we?

10
Causes of Accidents

• Improper backing
• Reckless driving by the public
• Excessive speed by the fire apparatus driver
• Lack of driving skill and experience by the fire
  apparatus driver
• Poor apparatus design or maintenance.

11
Five Factors to Accidents

• Human Factors
• Apparatus Design Factors
• Driving Surface Factors
• Emergency Scene Factors
• Seat Belt Usage
• THE 1 ANSWER IS..

12
SLOW DOWN
13
Nevada Revised Statutes

• 1.  The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle
  or an official vehicle of a regulatory agency,
  when responding to an emergency call or when in
  pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the
  law or when responding to but not upon returning
  from a fire alarm, or a vehicle escorting a
  funeral procession, may
•       (a) Proceed past a red or stop signal or
  stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be
  necessary for safe operation.

14

•   (b) Exceed any speed limits so long as he does
  not endanger life or property.
• (c) Disregard regulations governing direction of
  movement or turning in specified directions.

15

• 2.  The privileges granted in subsection 1 apply
  only when the vehicle is making use of
•       (a) Audible and visual signals or
•       (b) Visual signals only,
• 3.  The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle
  or an official vehicle of a regulatory agency may
  park or stand without regard to the provisions of
  this chapter if he makes use of a warning lamp.

16
THE KICKER

• 4.  The provisions of this section do not relieve
  the driver from the duty to drive with due regard
  for the safety of all persons and do not protect
  the driver from the consequences of his reckless
  disregard for the safety of others.

DUE REGARD
17
(No Transcript)
18
Accident to Note

• Explorer killed when Tender rolled over
• Driver was intoxicated
• Driver was driving too fast
• Driver over corrected
• Driver CHARGED vehicular manslaughter

19
Duty to Act
Breach of Duty
Causation
NEGLIGENCE
DUE REGARD
Damage Results
20
ATTITUDE

• Safe Driving Starts
• with a
• Safe Attitude

21
East Fork Procedure
22
Overview of Issues

• Application of Procedure
• Circle of Safety
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Licenses

23
Emergency Response

• Better to arrive safely
• Warning devices and True Emergencies
• Vehicle control
• Right of Way

24
Response Speeds

• Vehicles weighing over 15,000 GVW
• Drive per NRS
• 10 mph over posted speed limit
• Vehicles weighing under 15,000 GVW
• Drive per NRS
• Congested areas 10 mph over

25
Conditions that Lower Speed

• Slippery road conditions
• Inclement weather
• Poor visibility
• Heavy or congested traffic
• Sharp curves
• Members of the public in areas adjacent to the
  roadway
• Cautionary speed zones
• School zones

26
(No Transcript)
27
School Zones

• Try to avoid them
• If driving through them EXTRA CARE
• If children may run out
• Cancel all warning devices
• Drive normal speed

28
Drivers Responsibility

• Trained and qualified to operate type of vehicle
  being used
• Circle of Safety
• SEAT BELT ON
• Use due regard for public safety
• Shall not move vehicle until everyone is in a
  seated position and SEAT BELT is ON
• Adhere to NRS and East Fork Procedures

29
Drivers Responsibility

• During Code 3 Runs - Complete stops when
• Directed by law enforcement officer
• Red traffic lights
• Stop signs
• Negative right of way intersections
• Blind intersections
• Driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic
• Other intersection hazards are present
• Encountering a school bus with flashing warning
  lights

30
Drivers Responsibility

• During non-emergency travel
• Obey all traffic signs
• Obey all traffic laws
• Come to a complete stop at all
• Non-controlled railroad grade crossings

31
Officers Responsibility

• Ensure personnel are seated and belted
• If an officer, SHALL ensure vehicle is operated
  in a safe manner
• Shall read map book and operate radio
• Operate the visual and audio warning devices
• Assist in intersection crossing
• Warn driver of upcoming hazards

Or qualified right front seat passenger
32
Misc. Responsibilities

• If no front passenger
• Driver is responsible for those duties as well
• Driver must be extraordinary cautious
• Riders
• Remain seated with SEAT BELT ON
• Only ride within approved riding positions
• This means it has a seat belt

33
Intersections

• Most dangerous place
• Location for high frequency severity of
  accidents
• Restricted visibility
• Assumption of other drivers actions
• Confused drivers
• Vehicle density

34
(No Transcript)
35
Controlled Intersections

• Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic
• Scan the intersection for hazards
• Slow down BEFORE reaching intersection
• Change siren cadence 200 feet prior
• Avoid use of on-coming lane if possible
• Complete stop
• Eye contact
• Treat each travel lane you are crossing as a
  separate intersection

36
(No Transcript)
37
Crossing on Green

• Slow down
• Foot off accelerator
• Look in all directions
• Proceed with caution

38
Crossing on Red

• COME TO A COMPLETE STOP
• Eye contact with other drivers
• Officer to clear right side of intersection
• Wait two seconds
• Proceed with caution
• One lane at a time

39
(No Transcript)
40
Special Precautions

• Change siren tone 200 feet away, if possible
• Avoid passing on right
• Avoid use of on-coming lanes
• Over 15,000 GVW 20 mph max
• Under 15,000 GVW 20 mph max if chance for
  on-coming traffic to turn in front

41
Following Other Apparatus

• Leave room between apparatus traveling Code 3
• Attempt to use a different siren cadence then
  apparatus in front of you
• Ensure drivers see all of the emergency vehicles
  and not just the first one

42
Following Distances

• Under 40 mph
• Use the Three Second Rule
• Over 40 mph
• Use the Four Second Rule
• Double the rule if road is slippery
• Double the rule if taking vehicle to shop for
  repairs
• Triple the rule if road is snowy or icy

43
Uncontrolled Intersections

• No stop sign, signal, etc.
• Scan intersection for hazards
• Slow down
• Foot off gas Cover the brake
• Change siren cadence
• Avoid using on coming travel lanes

44
Non Emergency Response

• Vehicle is operated under normal traffic laws
• No lights or sirens are permitted
• Posted speed limit must be followed
• Subject to disciplinary action for failure to
  comply
• Legal action as well

45
Riding on Apparatus

• Seated in riding positions equipped with a
  seatbelt
• Unless providing patient care
• Driver and Officer responsible to ensure

46
Loading Hose

• Drive forward only
• Spotter at front and rear of apparatus
• Members in hose bed must not stand
• Vehicle must travel at a walking pace
• Turnout pants, helmets and gloves

47
(No Transcript)
48
Positioning of Apparatus

• Use vehicle as a shield to protect firefighters
  working on scene
• Leave room for the Truck/Squad
• Allow for easy access for Rescues
• Uphill/Upwind
• Avoid power lines
• Turn off white lights

See the other various SOPs on Apparatus
Positioning
49
(No Transcript)
50
Backing
Use a Spotter!

• If you can avoid backing, dont back!
• Never be in a hurry
• Do not back if unsure of the area
• Come to a complete stop before moving into
  reverse
• Roll the window down completely
• Make contact with spotter

USE A SPOTTER
Use a Spotter!
51
Spotter Responsibilities

• Survey the right and rear sides for obstacle
• Look up for overhead obstacles
• Stay 8 10 feet to the left rear of unit
• Make sure operator can see you
• Keep eye contact with operator always

52
Backing with No Spotter

• Is it really necessary?
• Make reasonable attempts to find a spotter
• Get out and walk around behind vehicle
• Check overhead clearance

53
Front Limiting Valves

• Must be left in Dry Road Position
• East Fork Procedure
• NTSB Recommendation
• VFIS Recommendation
• Now a Federal Law prohibiting these valves

54
Engine Retarders

• Do not use until you are sure vehicle has
  traction without its use
• Start with the lowest setting and work up
• Ensuring traction remains at all times

55
Privately Owned Vehicles

• NOT AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE
• Must obey traffic laws including
• Speed
• Passing in unsafe manner
• Following emergency vehicles
• Pulling to the right for emergency vehicles
• Subject to disciplinary and legal action for
  failing to follow

56
Accident Reporting

• Notify the Duty Chief

57
Inspection

• Vehicles must be checked weekly
• Also within 24 hours after use
• Repairs required? Vehicle is out of service
• Re-inspect vehicle prior to placing back into
  service
• Vehicles shall be inspected in accordance with
  Driving Guidelines
• Short check is weekly
• Long check is monthly

58
Good Night!