Drive to Survive

Examining safe driving tactics

Firefighters are more likely to die traveling to or from a fire than fighting one, and motor vehicles pose a greater hazard than flames. Last year, 37 firefighters died while responding to or returning from alarms, while 29 died on the fire ground.

--NFPA, June 9, 2004

Firefighters spend most of their time on the road:
  • Going on inspections/preplans
  • Training
  • Attending community events
  • Driving to and from the station
  • Responding to and from alarms
Approximately 25% of all line-of-duty deaths occur while responding to or from alarms each year. When we strike another vehicle, the size of our apparatus guarantees we'll win, but there's nothing to celebrate.
Before You Respond
Firefighters must be aware of several things:
  • How the apparatus handles and operates
  • How it will react in unusual situations
  • How to operte the wipers and other safety devices
  • Where to find the light and warning device switches
  • The vehicle's mechanical condition
  • The vehicle's safety equipment
These tidbits of knowlege can only come from practice, practice and more practice; it's an ongoing learning process that firefighters must continue, even after they become qualified operators. Some departments require the officer in charge of the apparatus to switch places (if qualified) with the apparatus driver when returning from an incident. This keeps the officers familiar with the vehicle, particularly if they don't get to drive much.
The driver and officer must be familiar with the location of each call prior to responding. Getting lost can significantly delay response times and put pressure on the driver to make up for their mistake.
They must be aware of intersections and road conditions that can create specific hazards.
  • Blind corners
  • Six-way intersections
  • Other emergency apparatus
  • Narrow roads
  • Underpasses
  • Road construction
  • Weight restrictions
Using an alternate route to avoid these hazards may take an extra minute, but will save hours of headache. You may also need to avoid some roads during rough weather conditions:
  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Sun glare
Make sure every crewmember is seated and belted prior to the response---period.
During the Response
Stay alert to the conditions. Open your window a crack, even in poor weather, to listen for other approaching emergency vehicles...if needed, radio the other vehicle that you're approaching the same intersection. Even if you have the green light, don't assume the other driver will stop---make sure he stops, or let him through.
Maintain two exit paths at all times if possible. Scan the road ahead to determine where to move should something suddenly block your way. At intersections, slowly pass waiting cars to the left. If you pass on the right, you risk startled drivers who may instinctively pull to the right.
Consider turning off audible devices until you're past the waiting vehicles. It's very dangerous to pull up behind vehicles waiting at a traffic light and blast the horns and sirens to force them through the light---one of them could wind up in a serious accident.
Always signal when turning and changing lanes. For emphasis, use hand signals. Make sure your intentions are clear to waiting traffic. Don't assume you have the right of way until the waiting traffic clearly gives it to you.
Be aware of braking distances. On normal, dry pavement, a minimum three-second following distance is recommended. In rough weather increase that to at least 8-10 seconds---a hydroplaning fire truck is not a pretty sight!
Upon Arrival
Once on scene, the driver must safely park the vehicle. For some tactical and safety tips related to positioning apparatus, visit a couple of good web sites:
All vehicles should have primary and secondary warning lights. The primary system provides the brightest combination of lights that draw attention the the vehicle during the response. They include very bright lights, such as clear strobes and flashing headlights. At the scene, these bright lights aren't necessary, and they can even distract and blind oncoming traffic. Once parked, switch the secondary lighting only. Oncoming traffic can then more easily identify steady-on lights. At night, turn headlights off and use parking lights only to avoid creating a glare for oncoming traffic.
Conclusion
Safe driving is an important part of every emergency response. All operators must maintain familiarity with their apparatus by getting behind the wheel on a regular basis. Two NFPA standards help fire departments establish safe-driving programs:

NFPA 1002, Standard on fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, NFPA 1451, Standard for a Fire Service Operations Training Program.

Condensed from an article by Greg Jakubowski, published by FireRescue Magazine, August 2004