Newport Fire Department
Driver/OperatorOperating Emergency Vehicles
Division of TrainingUpdate: April 2013
OBJECTIVE
This Objective of this class is intended to teach how to safely drive/operate an emergency vehicle when responding to an incident
4 Parts of the Comprehensive Program: Driving Regulation Driver/Operator safety tips Defensive driving techniques Driver Awareness Course
Overview
Reason for the Class
Reason for the Class
Reason for the Class
Reason for the Class
INTRODUCTIONS
Historically 22% of fatalities Personal vehicles – 26% Engines – 14% Rescues – 5% Ladders – 3%
Study of 81% (tanker drivers) killed were not wearing a seatbelt.
2012: 83 firefighter deaths, 18 from accidents
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Prevention: Instituted the Emergency Response
SOG ▪ (3-I-1 Emergency and Non-Emergency
Response)▪ Includes Seatbelt Use
Enforcement: Officers and Drivers
▪ Both are responsible/liable for the crew
▪ Supervisor Liability – if training inadequate.
Objectives
This lesson follows Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator certification according to: NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus
Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
Specific objectives
1. List the five most common causes of fire apparatus collisions
2. Regulations governing fire apparatus driver/operators
3. Vehicle Operations4. Apparatus rider safety5. Defensive Driving Techniques6. Vehicle Control7. Driver Awareness Course outline
VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
5 most common causes Improper backing of apparatus Reckless driving by public Excessive speed by apparatus driver Lack of driving skill Poor apparatus design
Improper backing
Seldom causes serious injury or death, but accounts for a significant portion of overall damage costs
Occurs On emergency scene In parking lots Backing into the station
USE A SPOTTER!
Reckless driving by publicFailure to obey posted traffic
regulationsFailure to yield right of wayExcessive speedUnpredictable behavior created by
panic to approaching emergency apparatus
Inattentiveness Cell phones Radios Children
Excessive speed Apparatus Loss of control on
curve or adverse road surface (roll over, crash) Black ice Snow
Inability of driver to stop in time to avoid collision
Lack of driving skill or experience
Overconfidence in one’s driving ability It’s always the other guy that is a bad
driver Inability to recognize a dangerous
situation False sense of security because of good
driving record Misunderstanding of apparatus
capabilities▪ Turning radius
Lack of knowledge about how to operate the controls of the apparatus in an emergency
Poor apparatus design or maintenanceMost often in “homebuilt” vehicles or
local mechanicsVehicles not baffled properly
Liquid surgesMaintenance
Vehicle system failure, especially brakes Truck 1, Engine 2
REGULATIONS/LAWS
StateCity OrdinancesDepartment policy
Driving Regulation
Unless specifically exempt, fire apparatus are subject to all statute, rule, regulations, or ordinances that governs any vehicle operator
Drivers must always exercise care for the safety of others
Regulations pertain to dry, clear roads during daylight hours Adjust for wet roads, fog, darkness
State Laws
Special Privileges: RIGL 31-12-6 Privilege, NOT a RIGHT!
RIGL 31-12-7 Park or stand, irrespective of any law Proceed past a red light or stop sign, but
only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operations
State Law (cont’d)May Exceed the speed limit, so long
as does not endanger life or propertyDisregard regulations governing
direction of movement, or turning
Due Care
RIGL 31-12-9 “Shall not relieve the
driver from the duty to drive with due regard for safety of all persons, nor shall the provisions protect the driver from consequences of the driver’s reckless disregard for the safety of others
Right of Way/ Yielding
RIGL 31-17-1 Intersections- driver
on the left shall yield right of way to the driver on the right
RIGL 31-17-6: Yielding to
Emergency Vehicles▪ Lights and siren must
be used▪ Refuse to Yield:
$20.00 fine (RIGL 31-7-7)
Other
RIGL 31-23-11: Warning Devices only during Emergency response Must be visible from 500 ft
RIGL 31-23-51 Headsets permitted for Emergency
VehiclesRIGL 31-23-43
Wheel Safety Chocks▪ Not required if vehicle is equipped with
positive spring-loaded air parking brakes
School Bus
NOT Exempt from laws that require a stop for school buses with flashing signal lights
City Ordinances
Ordinance 10.04.010 State Motor Vehicle Code adopted
Ordinance 10.08.050 Reflects the Emergency Response SOP
regarding1. Parking or standing2. Red lights/Stop signs3. Speed limits4. Directions and turning
LIABILITY
If involved in a collision, both the driver and department may be held liable
Supervisory Liability (Officer) – SOP # 3-I-1 Negligent Failure to Direct Negligent Assignment Negligent Failure to Discipline
Negligent Failure to Direct
Failure to provide knowledgeable guidance, instruction, and/or direction as how to properly perform an action
• Not or inadequately providing training
Negligent Assignment
Assigning (or allowing) an individual to perform an act with the knowledge that the individual is not competent to perform that activity, or is not qualified or not properly trained to perform a given function• ie. Allowing someone to drive apparatus that
has shown that they cannot “acceptably” complete the Driver Competency Course
Negligent Failure to DisciplineFailure to take proper corrective action steps in order to insure that critical infractions of rules or polices are not repeated.
Allowing personnel to drive through intersections without stopping or reducing speed ▪ Discipline need not necessarily be harsh, but
must be sufficient to discourage repeat violations
APPARATUS PASSENGER SAFETY
Driver must assure safety of all personnel on the apparatus
Don gear before getting into apparatus No riding on the tailboard Seatbelt use
NFPA 1901 Fire Apparatus – requires a seat and belt for all firefighters
NFPA 1500: 3 exceptions to Seated or seat-belt use
1. Loading hose – driving forward2. EMS call3. Performing Tiller training
VEHICLE OPERATIONS
Starting the Vehicle
Start as soon as possible so that it is warmed up when rest of the crew is assembled and ready to respond
Let it idle as long as possibleConsider response – road closingsDo Not move the vehicle until all
occupants are within the cab, seated, and wearing a seatbelt
Driving Apparatus
Accelerate gradually No need to stomp on the throttle
Automatic transmissions downshift automatically to prevent lugging. When ascending a steep grade, may
downshift to avoid the lugging
Weight Transfer
Things in motion tend to remain in motion
Whenever a vehicle undergoes a change in speed or direction, weight transfer takes place relative to the severity of change
Weight carried on vehicle contributes to skidding an rollover due to: Too much speed in turns Harsh or abrupt steering Driving on too steep slope
Warning Devices
Drivers respond better to sounds that change pitch often, so short bursts with the air horns or changing oscillation is best
Be careful not to “outrun” the siren 40 mph – siren can project 300 ft to front 60 mph – audible only 12 ft or less in
frontUse discretion on type of call
Psychiatric patient
Warning Devices
Limit use to true emergency response Trouble alarm No functions Supervisory signals Public service calls
Adverse Weather
Decrease speed gradually, keep off soft shoulders
Bridges, shady areas, northern slopes become slippery first
Test brakes to determine braking distance
Increase following distances It takes 3 – 15 times more distance to
stop a vehicle in snow and ice than on dry surface
Driver Attitude
Develop a safety-conscious attitudeRemain calm and drive in a safe
mannerDo not drive recklessly or
aggressivelyDo not DEMAND the right-of-way
although you may legally have itBe prepared to yield the right-of-way
in the interest of safetyStrive to present a positive fire
department image at all times
Loading LDH
The road must be closed to other traffic
Apparatus must be driven forwardNo members are allowed to stand on
any portion of the apparatus while in motion Kneel or sit
Backing Apparatus
Avoid backing whenever possible Normally safer and sometimes quicker to
drive around the blockUse at least 1 firefighter with a radio,
positioned on the drivers side, approx. 1 vehicle length behind, to warn of obstacles or overhead objects
No spotter, do not back up!
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Slow the apparatus at intersections, be prepared to stop Even at a Green light
Red lights/stop signs Slow down as necessary You are responsible if get into an
accidentBe alert to the unexpected
Cars pulling out in front of you
Anticipate Other Drivers Actions Aim High in steering
Find a safe path well ahead Get the big picture
Stay back and see it all Keep your eyes moving
Scan – do not stare Leave yourself an “out”
Do not expect others to leave you an escape route
Make sure others can see and hear you Lights, siren, horn
Visual lead time
Scan far enough ahead for the speed driven, to allow time to react
Passing Procedures
Avoid passing vehicles that do not pull over
Always travel in the innermost lane on multilane roads, if possible
Avoid passing on the right People may try to pull over into you
Avoid passing other emergency vehicles Let the slower vehicle move to the right,
and communicate intensions on the radio
Stopping Apparatus
Smooth, even stop: don’t jam on the brakes
Consider the weight of the vehicle, brake conditions, tires, and road surface
Engine brake will assist in braking Let it do its job
BRAKING
Driver reaction distance The distance the
vehicle travels while a driver moves the foot to the brake pedal
Braking distance The distance the
apparatus takes to come to a complete stop
BRAKING
Total stopping distance The sum of the reaction and the vehicle
braking distance
Stopping Ability
Conditions of the road surface Dry, flat vs. wet, steep, icy, snow, or
unpavedSpeed being traveledWeight of the vehicleType and condition of the vehicle
braking system Properly maintained vehicle will stop
faster
VEHICLE CONTROL
Driving too fast for road conditionsFailing to appreciate weight shifts of
apparatusFailing to anticipate obstacles Improper use of aux braking devices Improper maintenance of tire
pressure (over-inflated tires) Improper maintenance of tire tread
depth
Controlling Skids
ABS: maintain a steady pressure on brake pedal, do not pump
Air brakes: slight delay between time from pushing brake until sufficient air is sent to the brake (approx 0.4 sec)
No ABS, release brake, turn into the skid
Once skid is controlled, apply power to allow vehicle to get traction
Auxiliary Braking SystemsFront brake-limiting valve system
Known as “Dry road/slippery road” switches
Were intended to help maintain control on slippery roads
Reduced the air on the front steering axle by 50%, when the switch was in slippery-road position, preventing the front wheels from locking▪ The switch reduced the breaking ability to
25%
Automatic Traction Control (ATC)Turns itself on and offDecreases the engine speed as
needed until traction is acquired Reduces wheel over-spin
Works in two ways: Wheel spins, the ATC applies air pressure
to brake the wheel, transferring torque to the wheels with better traction
Wheels spin: engine torque reduced
Automatic Tire Chains
Short lengths of chain are attached to a rotating hub in front of each rear wheel
The hubs swing down into place when a switch is activated
The rotation of the hub throws the chains underneath the rolling tires Lose effectiveness
▪ in snow deeper than 8”▪ Moving slow or in reverse
Vehicle Accidents
Code # 1-IV-8Outlines the Procedures IF an
accident occurs during Emergency or Non-Emergency conditions
DRIVER AWARENESS COURSE
NFPA 1002 Straight line Confined Space Turnaround Alley Dock Serpentine Course Offset Alley Diminishing Clearance Stop Sign Road Tests
Straight Line Exercise
To familiarize the driver with operating the vehicle within close quarters both in forward and reverse at a steady speed.
To enable the driver to adjust the mirrors for proper viewing, and make minor steering adjustments.
Confined Space Turnaround To allow the driver to become familiar
with the turning radius of the vehicle Tests depth perception while using
mirrors Tests the driver/operator’s ability to
turn the vehicle 180º within a confined space Requirements — An area that is at least
50 feet wide and 100 feet long(Continued)
Confined Space Turnaround Has no limit to the number of
direction changes required before the apparatus is turned 180º and driven through the same opening it entered
Is completed successfully when the apparatus has been turned 180º and driven through the original entrance point with no course markers being struck or without leaving the defined course
Confined Space Turnaround
Alley Dock
Tests the driver/operator’s ability to move the vehicle backward within a restricted area and into an alley, dock, or fire station without striking the walls and to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop close to the rear wall
Alley Dock Exercise Requirements
Boundary lines for the restricted area 40 feet wide, similar to curb-to-curb distance
Simulated area 12 feet wide and 20 feet deep along one side and perpendicular
Serpentine Course
Simulates maneuvering around parked and stopped vehicles and tight corners
Must be completed in each direction in one continuous motion without touching any of the course markers
(Continued)
Serpentine Course
Requirements Markers between 30 and 38 feet
apart, depending on the size of the apparatus being used
Adequate space on each side of the markers for the apparatus to move freely
(Continued)
Serpentine Course
Off-Set Alley Exercise
To allow the driver to become aware of the front and rear tracking of the vehicle.
To familiarize depth perception through the use of mirrors, especially the location of the right rear wheel
Parallel Parking Exercise
To allow the driver to understand the importance of vehicle positioning prior to starting a movement that requires an exact right side placement.
Familiarizes the driver to turning radius.
Diminishing-Clearance
To familiarize the driver with the importance of properly aligning a vehicle when entering a very confined asymmetrical area.
Requirements — Two rows of stanchions that form a lane 75 feet long, narrowing from a width of 9 feet 6 inches to a diminishing clearance of 8 feet 2 inches
(Continued)
Diminishing-Clearance
Stopping Exercise
To familiarize the driver with the position of the front of the vehicle.
To require the driver to brake smoothly and precisely while bringing the vehicle to a stop at a specified point.
ROAD TESTS (Include)
Four left and four right turns A straight section of urban business
street or two-lane rural road at least one mile in length
One through intersection and two intersections where a stop must be made
A railroad crossing One curve, either left or right
(Continued)
Road Tests
A section of limited-access highway that includes an on ramp, off-ramp, and a section of road long enough to allow for at least two lane changes
A downgrade that is steep enough and long enough to require downshift and braking
An upgrade that is steep enough and long enough to require gear changing to maintain speed
One underpass or a low-clearance bridge
Competency Course
Safe Operations SummaryRemember that speed is less
important than arriving safelySlow down at intersections, or stopAnticipate the worst possible
situationDrive defensively – be aware of
everythingExpect motorists and pedestrians not
to see youBe aware of season, weather, day of
week and time of day
QUESTIONS?
DRIVER TRAINING