Emergency Vehicle Driving Legalese. Los Angeles County Fire Department

Transcription

1 Emergency Vehicle Driving Legalese Los Angeles County Fire Department 1

2 Defensive and Safe Driving Why are we here? To learn how to function properly in the highest capacity so we can effectively save and protect lives, property and the environment. 2

3 Defensive and Safe Driving Why must we learn our functions? So we can protect : Ourselves Our families Our crew The public The County and the Department 3

4 Defensive and Safe Driving What fire department activity do we do more than anything else during the course of a day? DRIVE 4

5 Defensive and Safe Driving How often and where do we drive? All the time Responses Rescues Fires Public Assists Drills Events Move-ups Market / Food 5

6 Defensive and Safe Driving How do you prevent from becoming a statistic? Know the law! Drive safely! Know your physical limits! Know your vehicle s limits! Drive defensively and expect the unexpected! Train as if your life and other lives depend on it, because they do! Course Objectives 6

7 Defensive and Safe Driving What is the law? 7

8 Defensive and Safe Driving Definitions True Emergency - A situation in which there is a A situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss. (Being dispatched to a rescue, fire, or other EMERGENCY ). Due Regard - A reasonably careful person performing similar duties and under similar circumstances would act in the same manner. Negligence - Legal deficiency or wrong which results whenever a person fails to exercise that degree of care which a prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. The negligence may be slight, ordinary, or gross. 8

9 Defensive and Safe Driving Definitions Gross negligence - Reckless disregard of the consequences of an act to another person. It occurs when a person s actions (or lack of) result in the failure to exercise even a slight degree of care. Willful and wanton - Intentional or with careless indifference (considered most serious form of negligence). Vicarious liability - Legal liability placed on one person for the acts committed by another person. AKA - Supervisor, Captain NFPA When the driver is under direct supervision of an officer, that officer shall also assume responsibility for the action of the driver. d NFPA (2002) NFPA & (2002) 9

10 Driver s License DMV Law & NFPA1500 & 1451 Driver s License Requirement No person shall operate firefighting equipment unless that person has a valid driver s license for that class of vehicle. Driver Licenses shall be checked and validated by the employer. This includes Class of Driver s License, required endorsements, and current medical information. Medical updated every 2 years. RESTRICTIONS Mandated by Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 part Commercial Driver License Standards (Department of Transportation) CVC (2007) NFPA (2002) CVC (2007) Vol 3, Ch 2, Sub 8 (old) CVC (2007) Vol D, Ch 1, Sub 1 CVC (2007) RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS 10

11 Driver s License Minimum License Standard Fire Fighter Firefighter Class B Endorsements (X) Airbrake Tank Hazardous Materials It shall read Firefighter Class B Endors X Restriction 80, 50 Or Commercial Class B Endors X RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS Some special assignments require a Class A Driver License CVC (2007) RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS 11

12 Defensive and Safe Driving LACoFD Policy & CVC Minimum requirement to operate a fire engine, ladder truck (includes tillers), quint, crew truck, water tender, fuel tender, heli-tender, or any Class B vehicle weighing more than 26,001 lbs is a Restricted Firefighter Class B License with airbrake, tank, and hazardous materials m endorsements. Minimum requirement to operate a Haz-Mat squad, USAR, or any tractor trailer Class A vehicle is a Restricted Firefighter Class A License with airbrake, tank, and hazardous materials endorsements A Firefighter Restricted license is a commercial license. You will be held to all rules, policies, laws, and sanctions that t apply to commercial license holders. (Discussed later) MCSIA

13 Defensive and Safe Driving CVC A firefighter, driving a fire apparatus for the purpose of emergency operations is not required to have a driver license on his or her immediate possession. But they must have a properly classed and endorsed driver license at the station that can be obtained if required. 13

14 Legal Aspects What is an emergency vehicle? to (165.2) Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with at least one (1) steady burning red warning lamp visible from at least 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle to be used as provided in this code and shall only be used when the authorized emergency vehicle is being operated pursuant to CVC Emergency Vehicle Operation. CVC 2007 CVC (2007) 14

15 Legal Aspects When is a vehicle an authorized emergency vehicle? If the driver or other authorized person of an authorized emergency vehicle (CVC 27002) vehicle sounds a siren as may be reasonably necessary and the vehicle displays a lighted red lamp visible from the front (CVC 25252) as a warning to other drivers and pedestrians Gives authorization to police, fire, and life saving services to utilize red lights and sirens. CVC

16 Siren Use The siren is required to be sounded in such a manner that full range of the siren is produced. Intermittent use of the siren is permissible provided it is operated within at least 300 feet of intersections. LACoFD Manuals V-D,CV D,C-4, S-5, S III Policy C-2C 16

17 Siren Use The sirens effectiveness is based upon the speed of the vehicle. Sound compression Increased speed, reduces siren projection. Electronic siren: 40 MPH = 300 siren projection 60 MPH = 12 siren projection Grinder siren: Slightly better projection due to disturbance of air. LACoFD Manuals V-D,CV D,C-4, S-5, S III Policy C-2C 17

18 Air Horn Use Air horns are not considered authorized warning devices by the California State Vehicle Code. Air horn use is permitted as a secondary warning device. Air horn use guidelines Use in conjunction with the siren Use in short bursts Don t drain out the siren CVC 27000, & (2007), LACoFD Manuals V-D, V C-4, C S-5, S III Policy C-5C 18

19 Legal Aspects Authorized Emergency Vehicle Operation If the vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency call, from one place to another, or from one fire station to another, as rendered desirable or necessary by reason of an emergency call,, or while engaging in rescue operations, the driver of the authorized emergency vehicle is exempt from certain traffic laws. The driver is not exempt when returning from a response. CVC

20 Legal Aspects LACoFD vehicles that shall not operate Code R as authorized emergency vehicles : Fuel Tenders Heli-Tenders LACoFD vehicles that shall not operate Code R as authorized emergency vehicles, unless they are required to move into traffic or bypass congested traffic areas. Water Tenders Heavy Transports Move-ups shall be non-code R unless directed by FCCF. LACoFD Manuals V-D, V C-4, C S-5, S III Policy, E-8 E 8 to E-11E 20

21 Legal Aspects Emergency Vehicle Operation Exempt Privileges As long as a driver of an authorized emergency vehicle drives with due regard and safety for others and does not cause an accident he / she is exempt from lane position violations (may drive in any lane / opposite traffic), may stop or park anywhere, may exceed posted speed limits, turn from any lane in any direction, pass vehicles on the right (safely), and pass through traffic lights and stop signs (slowly and safely). CVC 21650, 21752, 22500, 38312, 22350, 22348, 38305, 22100, 21806, 21755, 21350, (2007) 21

22 Legal Aspects Why be cautious? Why clear intersections? &hl=en 22

23 Legal Aspects Emergency Vehicle Operation Exempt Privilege???? All vehicles must stop for school buses loading / unloading passengers with red lights flashing or stop sign extended. CVC 2007 NFPA (2002) requires that all Authorized Emergency Vehicles stop for school buses with red lights flashing or stop sign extended. 23

24 Legal Aspects Emergency Vehicle Operation Non-Exempt Privileges All placarded vehicles or vehicle that are transporting employees in addition to those riding in the cab approaching a railroad or rail transit grade crossing shall stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and not proceed until crossing can be done safely. This applies to non-code driving, we are exempt during Code R driving. This applies to engines, trucks, quints with open jump seats, tillered vehicles, camp crew carriers, and Class A Hazardous Materials vehicles. LACoFD Manuals V-D, V C-4, C S-5, S III Policy H-2H NFPA (2002) IAFF & NTSB CVC

25 Legal Aspects Effect of Exemption and Sections and do not relieve the driver of a vehicle or an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor protect him or her from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of the privileges granted (AKA negligence ). CVC 2007 If the driver is involved in an accident, it may be assumed that the driver was not operating the vehicle with due regard and the exempt privileges may be revoked. 25

26 Legal Aspects Effect of Exemption and Although there are exemptions in place to protect emergency vehicle operators, Sections and may revoke any of those exemptions at any time, especially if there is an incident that can be proved to be the fault of the emergency vehicle driver. Especially incidents at: Intersections Railroad tracks 26

27 Legal Aspects Basic Speed Law No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway (road) at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway(road), and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. CVC

28 Legal Aspects LACoFD Policy Engines, Trucks, Quints, Fuel Tenders, Heli-Tenders, & Trailer equipped vehicles No person shall drive any of the above vehicles at a speed in excess of 55 MPH or the posted speed limit. This policy applies to both emergency and non- emergency operation. LACoFD Policy V-D, V C-4, C S-5, S III Policy F-1F 28

29 Legal Aspects Liability of a Public Entity & A public entity is liable for death or injury to a person or property caused by a negligent or wrongful act,, or omission in the operation of any motor vehicle by an employee of the public entity acting within the scope of their employment. CVC

30 Legal Aspects Liability of a Public Entity A public employee is not liable for civil damages on account of personal injury to or death of any person or damage to property resulting from the operation, in the line of duty, of an authorized emergency vehicle while responding to an emergency call. This does not apply to returning from a fire alarm or other emergency call. CVC 2007 But an employee who violates a Department policy may be held liable. 30

31 Legal Aspects Personal Liability CVC 17004, 21055, & Does not protect the driver or a supervisor from criminal charges or conviction of driving without the due regard and safety for others or negligent vehicle operation. CVC

32 Legal Aspects Evidence Code 669 Any law, code, policy, procedure, or standard that is created and/or adopted by the Department or a governmental agency, may be used against a defendant of that organization to prove negligence towards a conviction. 32

33 Legal Aspects Personal Liability Past Attitudes toward fire department driving practices (public acceptance, can do no wrong). New Trends Past years society has held emergency drivers to a higher level of accountability. Legal Aspects Emergency vehicle operators can be held personally and professionally liable for their actions. Criminal Negligence 15 to 20 cases nationwide where emergency vehicle operators were found guilty of criminal manslaughter or homicide charges. 33

34 Legal Aspects Personal Liability If an emergency vehicle is driven with the disregard for the safety of others, criminal charges can and will be filed against the driver and possibly the supervisor. If an emergency vehicle operator, or agency, has knowledge of a vehicle safety defect, and the vehicle remains in service and is driven, the operator and the agency can be held criminally liable for the disregard for the safety of others. 34

35 Legal Aspects Personal Liability Criminal Vs. Civil Criminal Judged on the letter of the law (reasonable doubt). Penalty : Jail/Prison/Probation Civil Loss of firefighting job/career Can be held liable for a percentage of negligence for the incident. Penalty : Cash/Money 35

36 Legal Aspects NWCG Guidelines National Wildland Coordinating Group No driver shall drive more than 10 hours behind the wheel within any duty day. A driver shall only drive if they have had at least 8 consecutive hours of off duty before beginning a shift. (This is off the fire line - AKA in Base camp) All members shall adhere to a work / rest ratio of 2 to 1. Exceptions are made for immediate resource need, critical suppression objectives, firefighter and public safety issues. Feb

37 Defensive and Safe Driving Legal Aspects Break time 37

38 Defensive and Safe Driving So, if involved in an accident, a court may/will judge your actions as an emergency vehicle operator on two primary considerations : Was the emergency vehicle responding to a true emergency? Did the emergency vehicle driver exercise due regard for the safety of others? If you can not answer these for sure, think twice about your driving habits. 38

39 Defensive and Safe Driving One other question the court will ask : If your emergency vehicle was not there to begin with, would the accident have happened? The Answer : Probably NOT. Slow transition to next slide. 39

40 Defensive and Safe Driving Other recent cases. 40

41 Defensive and Safe Driving Other recent cases. 41

42 Defensive and Safe Driving Other recent cases. 42

43 Defensive and Safe Driving Other recent cases. 43

44 Defensive and Safe Driving Other recent cases. 44

45 Defensive and Safe Driving Remember Involuntary Vehicular Homicide Involuntary Manslaughter Aggravated Vehicular Homicide 45

46 DUI Laws 46

47 Defensive and Safe Driving DUI Laws Laws are now the same if you are driving your personal vehicle (Class( C non- commercial) or a commercial vehicle (Class A or B) if you posses a commercial license. DUI alcohol and/or drugs.04% BAC while driving a commercial vehicle..05% to.07% BAC while driving any vehicle at the discretion of the arresting officer, does he or she believe you are impaired..08% BAC and above while driving any non-commercial vehicle. Alcohol use prior to work Do not use alcohol 12 hours prior to work. Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) 1999, Effective in California September 20, 2005 LACOFD Vol. 2, Ch. 4, Sub

48 Defensive and Safe Driving DUI Laws Penalties First conviction = 1 year commercial license suspension / disqualification. Subsequent conviction within 10 years = Lifetime commercial license suspension / disqualification. Refusing to take or complete a chemical test = 1 year commercial license suspension / disqualification. Subsequent refusal of chemical test = Lifetime commercial license suspension / disqualification. MCSIA

49 Defensive and Safe Driving The New DUI Test Can you pass it video.google.com/videoplay?docid= &hl=en 49

50 Defensive and Safe Driving Other New Laws / Penalties Traffic Violator School Commercial license holders are no longer permitted to attend a Traffic Violator School in lieu of any traffic offense penalty or sanction imposed. A judge cannot reduce your penalty. A judge cannot order a work permit (restricted) commercial driver license. MCSIA

51 Defensive and Safe Driving Video LACoFD Policy Engine brakes / retarders shall be used in either the lowest setting or completely off in wet or slippery road conditions. It is permissible to test the engine brake / retarder to see if it is effective, prior to actually needing it (Vol. D, Ch. 5, Sub. 1) video.google.com/videoplay?docid= &hl=en Accident : August 9, 2005 Charged : August 25, 2006 Charges dropped : July

52 Defensive and Safe Driving Remember seat belts save lives! And it s the law. Cal Fire (CDF) Engine 66 Beaumont example NFPA (2002) NFPA (2002) CVC & (2007) 52

53 Defensive and Safe Driving Seat belts, Seat belts, Seat belts! No standing on the rig! Topanga Fire 2005 NFPA (2002) NFPA (2002) CVC & (2007) 53

54 Defensive and Safe Driving Driving Safely A DRIVER 54

55 Defensive and Safe Driving Defensive driver The defensive driver Make allowances for his or her own deficiencies Make allowances for lack of skill and knowledge of others Understands they have no control over Unpredictable actions of other drivers Unpredictable actions of pedestrians Over weather or road conditions Will give up their right-of of-way Make whatever concessions to avoid collisions 55

56 Defensive and Safe Driving A A Driver Has the proper balance Attitude Distractions (Lack of) Rest/ est/readinesseadiness Intuition / Intent Vehicle Knowledge Experience Repair state of the vehicle 56

57 A DRIVER Attitude Most important Mental regard for ourselves and others (A.K.A. - Professionalism) Not inbred. Rather, it is learned. Pride in past record. Faith in experience. Always follows laws and policies. 57

58 Negative Driver Attitude Overconfidence Lack of confidence Self-righteousness Aggression Impatience Preoccupation Peer pressure Extreme conditions 58

59 A DRIVER Distractions Drivers must limit the effects of concentration loss due to: Passengers Noise (sirens, communications) Weather Traffic MDT How many sides of the apparatus do you need to be concerned with? Seven Front, Left, Back, Right, Top, Bottom, Inside 59

60 A DRIVERD Rest/Readiness Physical Fitness Mental Fitness 60

61 Driver Physical Fitness General condition Age deficiencies begin to appear Diminishing eyesight Slower reaction time Fatigue Acute Chronic Sight Visual acuity, peripheral vision, color perception, depth perception, fatigued eyes Hearing Illness 61

62 Driver Mental Fitness Mental alertness to the operational task Mental fatigue (Acute & Chronic) Emotional problems Substance use medications or alcohol Substance abuse alcohol, drugs / medications, legal or illegal Stress Increased perception, decision and reaction time 62

63 A DRIVER Intuition / Intent Habits Judgment 63

64 Habits Sight Get the big picture. Look ahead one city block or ¼ mile. Aim high in steering. Eye to eye contact with other drivers. Make sure they see and hear you!! Keep eyes moving. Forward Side to side Use mirrors 64

65 Habits Mirrors Scan mirrors often. Do not focus on one object for long periods of time. Causes driver hypnosis #1 hypnotic device during driving Cell phone. Compared to BAC.10% Convex mirrors (spot mirrors) Objects may appear smaller and farther away. 65

66 Headlights Habits Increases vehicle visibility. LACoFD Policy All apparatus and vehicles being driven on any road or highway shall be operated with the headlights on at all times with the exception of staff vehicles and passenger sedans or anytime visibility is below 1,000 feet or windshield wipers are activated. LACoFD Manual V-D, V C-4, C S-5, S III Policy C-4C CVC (2007) 66

67 Habits Turn Signals VC Signals shall be used at least 100 feet prior to a lane change or turn. CVC 2007, LACoFD Manual V-D,CV D,C-4, S-1, S III Policy C-4C 67

68 Habits Braking Always attempt to utilize smooth braking skills. It is better to be a little hard / heavy at the beginning, then ease up near the end of braking. Types of braking Evasive Threshold Straight line Trail Down grade 68

69 Braking Habits Evasive Panic, sudden aggressive braking, usually turns into a skid. Threshold Applied to full potential without locking into skid. ABS does this automatically. Straight line Apply brakes before curve or turning. Trail Slowly release brake pressure as the vehicle enters the curve or turn. Transfers weight to turning wheels and lessens probability of a skid. 69

70 Braking Habits Planning is the key Before a curve or turn Before driving downhill Before the need to stop Utilize secondary braking devices (ex: Jacob, Thelma) Anti-lock system Allows steering while braking Prevents most skids Brake fade Caused by overheating 70

71 Braking Down grade Habits Utilize short applications. Slow down to 5 MPH below the safe speed. Then release brakes. Allow the vehicle to reach the safe speed, then brake again to slow down to 5 MPH below the safe speed again. Example Safe speed = 40 MPH Slow down to 35 MPH Then allow speed to increase to 40 MPH 71

72 Habits Steering Hand placement 10 & 2 9 & 3 4 & 8 (airbags) Turning Hand shuffle method Hand-over over-hand method Feel of Control Systems Steering wheel Accelerator Brakes 72

73 Habits Apexes Late Apex Turning Early apex Not good to use, can cause under steer (caused by driving too fast) Geometric apex Center of turn Late apex Best to use, creates greatest control Early Apex Geometric Apex Direction of travel 73

74 2. Entry Zone Driving Zones 1. Approach Zone Straight line braking Downshift apparatus Start turning Begin trail braking No acceleration Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1 Direction of travel 3. Exit Zone Accelerate 74

75 Turning Right Turns Turn slowly Go deep if needed As the arrow indicates Do NOT turn left prior to turning right This may cause other drivers to think you are turning left and gutter snipe you Start turn in the slow lane Finish turn in the slow lane 75

76 Turning Left Turns Turn slowly Start turn in the fast lane or dedicated left turn lane Finish turn in either lane, preferred slow lane If turning from double turn lanes, make turn for the widest turn path As the arrow indicates 76

77 Habits Proper turning? Proper responding? video.google.com/videoplay?docid= &hl=en 77

78 Habits Vehicle Control Rear end swing Rear tire cheating during turns Longer wheelbase, more cheating Dry steering Turn in direction of travel before stopping Skids Release brakes let wheel turn Turn towards direction of desired travel Tire blowout Front Both hands on wheel, no brakes May cause vehicle to make right angle turn Rear Both hands on wheel, brake slowly 78

79 Habits Backing Large cause of accidents (# 1 preventable accident) Avoid when possible Use a helper Circle of safety Backing signals/buzzers One = Stop Two = Forward Three = Reverse Verbal communication (head set) is best! LACoFD Manual V-D, V C-4, C S-2, S III Policy B 79

80 Habits Lane Position Keep toward the left. Vehicle will appear larger. Keep space in front of your vehicle. No Tailgating 80

81 Habits Plan Routes Respond in tandem, do not pass other emergency vehicles Understand Traffic Patterns Time of day Construction areas Congested areas Be aware of other responding vehicles 81

82 Habits Check station apparatus bay doors Check apparatus compartment doors Hot start / shoreline / charging cords Ensure they are disconnected 82

83 Judgment Driving maturity under emergency and non-emergency conditions. (Get over the rush) Maintaining composure (common sense approach). Make allowances for the deficiencies or mistakes of other drivers. Learn to expect the unexpected. Give the public time to react appropriately. 83

84 Judgment Vehicles are easily recognizable Be professional Be courteous Remember we are asking for the right-of of-way, not demanding it. 84

85 A DRIVER Vehicle Knowledge Apparatus limitations Braking Turning Performance Reactions Maintenance 85

86 A DRIVER Experience Skill Psychomotor skills Understanding the physical forces acting upon a vehicle Level of driver knowledge and experience Training Required by NFPA 1451 Ability + Training = Skill Skill ± Attitude = Performance 86

87 Centrifugal Force Definition - The force caused by inertia which tends to make a rotating body move away from the center of the rotation. How does this affect driving? Centrifugal force coupled with inertia and momentum varied by velocity will either allow friction to hold a vehicle on the roadway around a corner / curve or it will not. The key factor is velocity (speed). 87

88 Weight Transfer The shift of weight Effective use is critical for safe handling of an apparatus. Affects Turning right or left Braking / stopping Acceleration Speed Too fast causes to much G-force G causing vehicle to roll due to topside cargo FD cargo = Water Movable or fluid cargo 88

89 A DRIVER Repair (State of Repair) Vehicle condition Out-of of-service criteria (NFPA 1915) Maintenance record Pre-trip / Enroute /Post-trip trip inspection Mandated Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance All documented on AL-Forms LACoFD Manual V-D, V C-2, C S-1, S III Policy B NFPA (2002) NFPA (2002) NFPA

90 Defensive and Safe Driving A DRIVER Break time 90

91 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Road Conditions Road type Asphalt Concrete Dirt Sand Gravel Uneven surfaces High angle 91

92 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Conditions Vegetation & Rocks Holes & Ruts Soft sand / dirt River / Stream beds Retardant drop areas Fences Can create blind corners, limited clearance, and limited maneuverability Use a spotter, drive slower Always check the vehicle when returning to the pavement 92

93 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Conditions Climbing or Decinding hills Keep a constant speed Keep heel on floor when on accelerator or brake Keeps foot steady Don t let vehicle bounce (if so, slow down) Caused by break in traction or too fast Causes damaged and broken components Avoid side hill driving in a Type I Engine Move quickly through water, mud, or sandy areas Stopping = Stuck Drive closer to berm (uphill side) than downhill side Sturdier ground If 4 x 4, be in 4 x 4 before needed Check vehicle when returning to pavement 93

94 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Conditions (Motorway) 94

95 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Conditions (Motorway) Avoid the low side Driving too fast = Damage Don t cut the corners 95

96 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Conditions (Motorway) 96

97 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Angles and Slope Maximum safe limit is 40% Breakover angle Angle of approach Angle of departure 97

98 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Off Road Driving Proper gear always Avoid locking brakes Drive straight (up and down) Avoid side hill driving, but if you do, and slide, steer downhill Be in 4-wheel 4 drive before you need it Dozers, stay clear 100 1' of rise over 100' = 1% slope 20' of rise over 100' = 20% slope If you see a degree ( 0 ) marker for a slope, multiply it by 2 for a close guestimation of percentage (%) 98

99 Factors Affecting Driving Conditions Weather Conditions Snow and Water (Rain) Areas that may become slippery during early morning, late evening, and freezing temperatures. Bridges Northern slopes Shaded spots Areas where water and snow may / does cross the roadway. Note : stopping distance will become 3 to 15 times greater on wet or slick pavement Ensure heater / defroster and windshield wipers are operational Frozen brakes Upon returning to station, ride brakes a little to create some heat and disipate the collected water 99

100 Defensive and Safe Driving Phoenix Fire Department Video on Driving video.google.com/videoplay?docid= &hl=en 100

101 Defensive and Safe Driving To Decrease Response Time Be ready before the alarm is sounded. Once the alarm is sounded: Get dressed/properly outfitted Get to and on the vehicle Get out fast Remember: Daytime = 1 minute to vehicles ready to go Nighttime = 90 seconds to vehicle - ready to go Don t drive recklessly fast! 101

102 Defensive and Safe Driving Keys to defensive driving (Smith) Aim high in steering Get the big picture Keep your eyes moving Leave yourself an out Make sure they can see and hear you 102

103 Defensive and Safe Driving Accidents Why must we maintain defensive and safe driving practices? 103

104 LACo. FD Engine 77 Rollover January 15,

105 Defensive and Safe Driving Theories Principles Accidents Types Accident Prevention Accident Reporting 105

106 Theories and Principles Two Major Causes of Accidents. Lack of Forethought Speed (excessive) Human error is the number one cause of traffic collisions. Speed is a contributing factor to almost all traffic collisions and causes c approximately 60% of serious accidents. 106

107 Types of Accidents Preventable The driver : Was a contributing party. Did not use defensive driving techniques. Did not follow department policy. Non-preventable The driver : Was not at fault. Could not have reasonably prevented accident. Work related damage Damage occurred under work related conditions. Was beyond driver s control. 107

108 Primary Causes of Traffic Collisions Intersections (60%) Unsafe speed for conditions Right-of of-way violations Following too closely Reckless driving (by the public) Backing Parking Poor vehicle design Home built Under braked / over weight High center of gravity, poor baffling Poor vehicle maintenance Chassis condition Drive train, brakes, steering components 108

109 Accident Prevention Smith Safe Driving System for Accident Prevention Identify a hazard / situation Predict the action of the hazard / situation Decide how to avoid the hazard / situation Execute your decision Always maintain a defensible space cushion 109

110 Accident Prevention Total Stopping Distance Factors Perception Time Decision/Reaction Time Air Brake Lag Braking Distance 110

111 Accident Prevention Stopping Distance Formula ¾ ¾ second = Perception time ¾ ¾ second = Decision/reaction time ¼ - 1 second = Air brake lag feet = Braking Distance Therefore the time elapsed from your initial notice of an incident / hazard until the brakes start to take effect is approximately 1 ¾ to 2 ½ seconds. 111

112 Accident Prevention Formula to Calculate Travel Distance at Speed Add the first digit of a speedometer reading to the actual speed of the vehicle. Example: 555 mph Add the first digit to the speed = 60 feet per ¾ second. Therefore, at 55 mph, and a calculation of 60 feet of travel per 3/4 second, a vehicle will travel between 105 feet and 150 feet before the brakes are activated after first sight of the incident / hazard. 112

113 Accident Prevention Formula to Calculate Travel Distance at Speed Therefore, at 55 MPH, the Total Stopping Distance will be 154 to 220 feet plus 150 to 200 feet of braking distance. (105 to 150) + (150 to 200) = 255 to 350 feet 113

114 Accident Prevention Factors Affecting Total Stopping Distance Driver s influence Vehicle s influence Vehicle weight Driving conditions 114

115 Total Stopping Distance Driver s Influence Driver s condition and reaction time. Reaction time will be slowed if the driver is: Tired Distracted Inattentive Under the influence 115

116 Total Stopping Distance Vehicle s Influence Vehicle condition Tires Suspension components Brakes (Brake fade) Cargo placement and type 116

117 Total Stopping Distance Vehicle Weight The heavier the vehicle, the more distance required to stop it. Your personal car = pounds (¾ 3 ¼ tons) PM Squad = 10,000-12,000 pounds (5-6 tons) Fire Engine = 34,000 45,000 pounds (17 22 ½ tons) Ladder Truck / Quint = 70,000 75,000 pounds (35 37 ½ tons) Class A (Haz-Mat / USAR) = 50,000-60,000 pounds (25-30 tons) 117

118 Total Stopping Distance Driving Conditions Type of road surface Rough Slippery Slope or grade Speed Traffic patterns Weather January 29, 2008 early morning, Bouquet Canyon Patrol 107 Black Ice 118

119 Accident Prevention Following Too Closely A common cause of traffic accidents Remember the four second rule Provide a longer time span at increased speeds or driving in adverse weather conditions. 119

120 Accident Prevention Four Second Rule Always maintain a minimum 4 second following distance. When speed increases above 40 MPH, add 1 second for every 10 MPH. Therefore following distance at speeds: Up to 40 MPH = 4 seconds 50 MPH = 5 seconds 60 MPH = 6 seconds 70 MPH = 7 seconds When traveling code R, add 1 second to following distance. 120

121 Accident Prevention Keys to Accident Avoidance Recognize a hazardous situation. Formulate a defense. Act in time to avoid the accident. Smith Safe Driving System 121

122 Accident Prevention Smith Safe Driving System Identify a hazard / situation Predict the action of the hazard / situation Decide how to avoid the hazard / situation Execute your decision Always maintain a defensible space cushion 122

123 Accident Prevention Accident Avoidance Priorities 1. Life yours and others 2. Injury 3. Vehicle & Property 123

124 Accident Prevention Accident Avoidance Practices Steer to avoid an accident Occupy the vacated area Glancing blow is better Drive at a controlled speed Keep lane clearances / position Check mirrors 124

125 Accident Prevention Code R Intersection Safety Approach and enter with caution Release accelerator, cover the brake pedal Be prepared to stop Enter toward center of roadway Clear lane by lane Watch for gutter snipers Make eye contact Never push or force a stopped vehicle into intersection If they get hit, you are liable Consider shutting down lights and siren if stopped at a red light, once it changes, then proceed Cautiously use opposing traffic lanes if necessary 125

126 Accident Prevention Code R Intersection Safety 126

127 Accident Prevention Railroad Crossings Note the skid marks that pass under the crossing arms and into the middle of the tracks. Those were left by Squad 118. The gates did not activate in time. Remember when it comes to a tie at a railroad crossing, we loose!! 127

128 Accident Prevention Railroad Crossings Remember when it comes to a tie at a railroad crossing, we loose!! Don t stop on the tracks!! 128

129 Accidents By The Numbers LACoFD Accidents For Years 2001 = = = = = = = = 73 So far (4/2008) far 129

130 Accident Reporting Procedures Forms 130

131 Accident Reporting What if you are involved in an accident? Notify dispatch Blue / Command radio Phone (323) , (323) MDT Do NOT admit guilt. Secure vehicles Render aid 131

132 Accident Reporting What if you are involved in an accident? Complete reports / Exchange information PD, CHP, Law enforcement County Form 76V54A (Accident Report) Now available on LACoFD intranet under the Safety Office button Get photos of vehicles involved and damage Refer all questions to the safety officer. (323) Notify supervisor. 132

133 Accident Reporting After the accident Complete forms (Typed) within 24 hours Form 76V54A (Accident Report) Now available on LACoFD intranet under the Safety Office button This is a legal document, take it seriously Take vehicle to Eastern Fire Shops within 15 days Estimate for repair costs must be obtained. Even if damage is minor. Even if not repaired immediately. Estimate filed with accident report. 133

134 Commonly Missed Information on Form 76V54A Front of Form 134

135 Draw diagram - No cartoons Commonly Missed Information on Form 76V54A Type or print account of accident Back of Form 135

136 Parting Shot Inglewood (Engine 173) May 15, 2001 You never know who is watching Remember to clear the intersection and drive at a controlled speed Fire Department signal was red for 26 seconds prior to entering the intersection at 30 to 35 MPH video.google.com/videoplay?docid= &hl=en 136

137 Contact Info For more information Contact Los Angeles County Fire Department Training Services (323) Visit the Los Angeles County Firefighters Association web site 137