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Emergency Vehicle Operations Unit VIII Avoiding Accidents. Avoiding Accidents. Unit VIII Objectives The EVO will be able to identify and demonstrate the principles of defensive driving
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Avoiding Accidents Unit VIII Objectives • The EVO will be able to identify and demonstrate the principles of defensive driving • The EVO will be able to describe and demonstrate the safe operation and driving skills of emergency operation • The EVO will list three defensive actions or accident avoidance techniques.
Avoiding Accidents Get started on a safe response takes work
Accident Avoidance Techniques • During Response • Preplanning Routes • Response Level • Command & Control • Enforcement of SOP’s
Mental Awareness Sense of Urgency • Can create a false need for speed • Speed affects the perception/reaction time of EVO and performance of apparatus • Speed can have adverse physiological affect on crew • Never exceed the speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions
Looking for Hazards allows • Time to plan an escape route out of the emergency • Always have a cushion • When you see a hazard, think about what you would do to avoid or minimize any accident • Always be prepared to take action based on your plan
Dynamics of an Accident VEHICLE COLLISION • · 1st Collision • Vehicle vs. Another Object • HUMAN COLLISION • 2nd Collision • Occupant vs. Safety System(s) • Unbelted Occupant vs. Vehicle • Occupant vs. Unsecured Objects
Correcting a Problem • Do Not Panic • Always Wear Your seatbelt • Maintain control of the steering wheel • Take your foot off the accelerator, but do not brake • Allow the Vehicle to slow down on its own
Correcting a Problem • When the vehicle reaches a slow, safe speed, turn the wheel to the left and gently steer back onto the highway • Do not jerk the wheel • Be careful to not overcorrect
Emergency Vehicle Operations Basic Driving Skills • Staying alert for variables • Avoid tunnel vision • Always scan surroundings • Identify an escape route • Maintain a cushion • Emergency warning lights and warning devices • Use when responding to an emergency • Not all modes of audible devices are the same and have different effects on motorists
Emergency Vehicle Operations Specific driving skills • Attention • Depth perception & ability to maneuver • Reacting, braking, and stopping • Controlling weight transfer • Adjust to adverse conditions
Emergency Vehicle Operations Emergencies • Steering to avoid a crash • Where to steer • Leaving the road • Avoid braking until 20 mph on loose surface • Keep one set of wheels on the road • Stay on the shoulder • Find an escape route
Emergency Vehicle Operations • Skill is demonstrated during driving tests • Attitude –Responsibility, interest, attention, and professionalism • Anticipation • Expect other drivers to act one of two ways • Do what is expected • Do what is unexpected • EVO will always anticipate the unexpected
Emergency Vehicle Operations Reaction by other drivers • Confused or panicky • Unexpected behavior by stopping or swerving into other lanes of traffic • Inattentive drivers • Ignore or refuse to give the right of way
Emergency Vehicle Operations INTERSECTIONS • Use extreme caution when traveling through • Remove foot from accelerator and place on brake as approaching • Reduce speed • Full & complete stop against a stop signal • If visibility is blocked or unclear always stop
What do you see? What DON’T you see? When traveling Left Of Center Where’s your first stop? What’s your speed?
When traveling Left Of Center Stop at the rear bumper of the first vehicle in the left lane.
Notice of Approach: The driver has to SEE you to give you the Right Of Way.
YOUR vehicle speed is the ONLY difference between continuing through the intersection or being involved in a collision.
Emergency Vehicle Operations Maneuvering • Reduce speed • Complete stop behind blocking traffic • Approaching traffic yields right of way • Proceed when safe to do so • Return to normal lane when safe to do so and as soon as possible.
Emergency Vehicle Operations Mental Awareness • False sense of power • reckless driving • Size of apparatus should not influence your judgment • Responsibility to crew and public for safety
IMPROPER BACKING ALWAYS use a ground guide. Your ground guide should position himself/herself at the left rear of the tanker. Keep the ground guide visible in your side mirror at all times. Back slowly. The ground guide should use pronounced hand signals. Both hands should be at shoulder/head height.
Standard Apparatus Operation Communications When using hand signals, these signals are as follows:
Emergency Vehicle Operations Case History
Emergency Vehicle Operations Case History • Multiple department response • Intersection • Seat Belts • Technology
