C L A S S #3

1. C L A S S #3 Driver Operator Refresher Training

2. Operating Emergency VehiclesClass #3 Henderson Fire Department Defensive Driving Refresher Training

3. Course Goals • To provide refresher training to all personnel of the Henderson Fire Department. • All personnel must be able to successfully perform the skills listed in the course objectives.

4. Course Objectives NFPA 1002 ,Standard on Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications 2009 Edition • 4.3.6*Operate a vehicle using defensive driving techniques under emergency conditions, given a fire department vehicle and emergency conditions, so that control of the vehicle is maintained. 

5. Course Objectives • 4.3.7* Operate all fixed systems and equipment on the vehicle, given systems and equipment, manufacturer’s specifications and instructions, and departmental policies and procedures for the systems and equipment, so that each system or piece of equipment is operated in accordance with the applicable instructions and policies. 

6. Defensive Driving Techniques

7. Defensive Driving • Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions • Estimate Visual Lead Time • Braking Distance and Reaction Times • Knowledge of Weight Transfer • Combating Skids and Evasive Tactics

8. 1. Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions • Always expect the unexpected ! • Aim high in steering • Find a safe path well ahead • Get the Big Picture • Keep your eyes moving • Scan – do not stare • Leave yourself an “out” • Make sure other drivers can see and hear you!

9. 2. Estimate Visual Lead Time • The driver / operator must learn to match the speed of the apparatus he is driving…. ….with the distance of the vehicle ahead • Visual lead time interacts directly with reaction time and stopping distances

10. 3. Braking Distance & Reaction Times • The total stopping distance of a vehicle is made up of 4 components. • Perception Time • Reaction Time • Vehicle Reaction Time • Vehicle Braking Capability

11. The total stopping distance • The perception time; • is the time it takes the driver to see a hazard, the brain realizes it is a hazard, requiring an immediate reaction. This perception time can be as long as ¼ to ½ a second. • Reaction Time • once the brain realizes danger, the human reaction time is how long the body takes to move the foot from accelerator to brake pedal. Again this reaction time can vary from ¼ - ¾ of a second.

12. The total stopping distance • Vehicle Reaction Time • once the brake pedal is applied there is the vehicles reaction time which depends on the brake pedal free-play, hydraulic properties of the brake fluid and working order of the braking system. • Vehicle Braking Capability • the last factor that determines the total stopping distance is the cars braking capability which depends on many factors:

13. type of braking system, brake pad material, brake alignment, tire pressures, tire tread and grip, vehicle weight, suspension system friction of the road surface, wind speed, slope of road, surface smoothness the braking technique applied by the driver. A cars braking capability depends on factors such as;

14. 4. Knowledge of Weight Transfer • When a vehicle undergoes a change in velocity or direction, weight transfer takes place relative to the severity of the change. • Weight transfer in heavy fire apparatus can contribute to skidding or possible rollover • Too much speed in turns • Steep slopes • Apparatus with large water tanks

15. 5. Combating Skids and Evasive Tactics • Conditions that lead to a skid: • Driving too fast for road conditions • Failing to properly appreciate weight shifts of heavy apparatus • Improper use of auxiliary braking systems • Improper maintenance of air pressure and adequate tread depth

16. Combating Skids • When apparatus that is not equipped with an antilock braking system goes into a skid: • Release brakes…allowing wheels to rotate freely • Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid • Once the skid is controllable apply power to the wheels to gain traction and control

17. Operate all Fixed Systems on the Apparatus

18. Operate all Fixed Systems • The Driver / Operator is responsible for all specialty systems, tools and appliances carried on their apparatus. • Company Officers must evaluate the Driver / Operators’ knowledge of all such equipment.

19. CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY Driver / Operators must know all equipment on their apparatus: • Electric power distribution systems • Fixed on apparatus • Portable electrical systems (Cord reels and adaptors) • Scene Lighting • Fixed on apparatus • Portable lighting

20. Driver / Operators must know all equipment on their apparatus: CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY • Generators (when applicable) • Fixed units • Portable units • Hydraulic Rescue Tools • Air Systems and Tools • Cascade systems • Air bags and struts • Supplied Air Systems

21. Driver / Operators must know all equipment on their apparatus: CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY • Foam Equipment and Systems • Fixed on apparatus • Portable (Pro-Pak & Eductor) • All hand tools and appliances carried on apparatus.

22. Summary

23. Summary Defensive Driving • Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions • Estimate Visual Lead Time • Braking Distance and Reaction Times • Knowledge of Weight Transfer • Combating Skids and Evasive Tactics

24. Summary Operate all Fixed Systems • Electric power distribution systems • Scene Lighting • Generators • Hydraulic Rescue Tools • Air Systems and Tools • Foam Equipment and Systems • All hand tools and appliances carried on apparatus.

25. The End