1. Relief Driver Certification

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Provide students with the ability to safely and effectively operate fire apparatus under various emergency and non-emergency situations.
Ensure that students are fully competent with the handling of apparatus as well as possessing the skills necessary to operate under numerous fireground situations.
Provide thorough knowledge of apparatus.

3. ANNUAL STATISTICS 2004 2005 1,786,088 MILES ON FIRE VEHICLES
46,269 CALLS
2005
1,918,736 MILES IN FIRE VEHICLES
56,377 CALLS

4. SOBERING FACTS
IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS THREE APPARATUS OPERATORS NATIONWIDE HAVE BEEN INDICTED FOR ACCIDENTS THAT SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED FIREFIGHTERS OR CIVILIANS

5. LEGAL ASPECTS Georgia State Traffic Code
Local Speed Limits and/or Zones
Departmental Operating Guidelines

6. Georgia State Traffic Code
We are subject to all traffic codes unless an exemption applies
Exemptions only apply when operating on an emergency
Regardless, you can still be held civilly or criminally liable for your actions if an accidents occurs and property damage, injury, or loss of life results

7. Georgia State Traffic Code
The State Traffic Code gives us many exemptions during an emergency response. No speed limits are imposed by the code so how do we determine our actions?
The code does not relieve us of the duty to drive with “due regard” for the safety of all persons.

8. DUE REGARD
Due regard is a reasonably careful person, performing similar duties under similar circumstances, that would act in the same manner as you.

9. The Driver Of An Authorized Emergency Vehicle May:
Park or Stand, irrespective of the provisions of the chapter
Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but ONLY after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation “YOU MUST STOP IN GWINNETT!!!!!”
Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he/she does not endanger life or property

10. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified direction

11. LOOK AHEAD

12. What constitutes due regard?
Always drive within your capabilities as an emergency vehicle operator while considering the limitations of the apparatus with due regard for the safety of others.
What constitutes due regard?

13. Due Regard
Was enough notice of approach given before a collision was inevitable?
Was the notice appropriate?
Were all warning devices being used?
Were they used in an appropriate manner?
Could everyone see and hear you?
Did you exercise the required caution?

14. Will you be the first that this applies to?
DAILY POST
FAMILY OF THREE FATALLY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS
POLICE STATE THAT CHARGES ARE PENDING AGAINST THE DRIVER OF THE FIRE TRUCK.
Will you be the first that this applies to?

15. Bad Things Can Happen To Good People

16. All It Takes Is A Split Second Of Bad Judgment

17. Don’t Be Another Statistic

18. Law of Lug nuts

19. The More Lug Nuts You Have Means, More DAMAGE !!!!!!!

20. In 2005 a total of 15,885 accidents involving fire apparatus were reported nationwide.
These accidents resulted in 1,120 firefighter injuries.
23 firefighters lost their lives in these accidents.
26 innocent citizens lost their lives in these accidents as well.

21. Legal Aspects
If you are involved in an accident and charges are brought against you, will you be given legal representation by the County?

22. Officer and Employee Defense and Indemnification Plan
This plan establishes the terms and conditions under which Gwinnett County shall undertake to defend all specified civil, criminal, or quasi-criminal actions brought against supervisors, employees, administrators, or any appointed or elected officers, arising out of the performance of their official duties.

23. Section 8 – Exclusion, grounds for refusal of defense and termination of coverage
The County may refuse to provide for the defense of a claim or proceeding brought against any plan member if the County Attorney determines that the claim or proceeding against the plan member arises out of such plan member’s intentional or knowing violation of a written policy of the Commission, a Department of the County Government, and/or the County Administrator, where applicable.

24. Vehicle Operations SOPs 111.000-Emergency Response
All Department vehicles and apparatus will be operated with consideration for traffic conditions, weather, and type of thoroughfare or roadway, and all other existing conditions that may affect safe vehicle operations. Vehicle speed shall be dependent upon these factors as well as the limitations of the apparatus and abilities of the operator with due regard for safety as top priority.

25. When responding Code 1 to an emergency, the following restrictions will apply:
The driver/operator will use both audible and visual emergency warning devices, including lights and sirens.
The vehicle/apparatus will be brought to a complete stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs.

26. The posted speed limit will be observed when entering an intersection with a green light visible.
The vehicle will slow to a speed of not more than five (5) miles per hour when entering an intersection controlled by a yield right-of-way sign only.

27. At no time will the operator proceed through an intersection until he/she has looked in all directions and determined that it is safe to proceed. While proceeding through the intersection, both the operator and the officer (where applicable) shall be on the alert for approaching or turning vehicles, other emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and any other hazard that could compromise safety.

28. The vehicle will be brought to a complete stop at all intersections that are visibly obstructed in any manner – i.e. buildings, other vehicles, trees, or shrubbery, etc.
Overtaking another vehicle moving in the same direction should be done with extreme caution. This should be accomplished by passing the upcoming vehicle on the left whenever possible.

29. Extreme caution will be exercised when traveling in the opposite traffic flow lanes.
The vehicle will be brought to a complete stop at all unguarded railroad crossings to ensure a safe crossing can be made. The operator will obey crossing signals at all times and the vehicle will not be driven around crossing gates under any circumstances.

30. The posted, reduced speed limits for school zones will be observed during hours of operation.
Operators will bring the vehicle to a complete stop whenever encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights and will not proceed until it is confirmed safe to do so;

31. …. it will be considered safe to proceed once the bus driver has ceased operating the flashing lights or should the bus driver signal it is safe to proceed.
A distance of feet should be maintained between emergency vehicles if responding together along the same route. In congested areas or when encountering heavy traffic, this minimum distance may be impossible to maintain.

32. …Always maintain adequate distance to avoid rear-end collisions.
Always maintain an operating space in front of the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle without contacting another object.

33. The vehicle/apparatus will follow the safest most expeditious route whenever possible. Also, it is important to be aware that unnecessary route of travel through congested or heavily populated areas, such as subdivisions, should be avoided whenever possible.

34. The location and response route of emergency vehicles will be updated via radio communications any time there is a possibility that emergency vehicles routes could intersect during an emergency response.
The proceeding guidelines, along with adequate training and experience of the vehicle operator, will ensure a safe response to the scene of any emergency.

35. DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Defensive driving means doing everything reasonably possible to avoid being involved in a preventable accident, regardless of what the law is, what the other driver does, or adverse weather conditions.
A preventable accident is one in which the driver fails to take reasonable precautions and/or evasive actions to avoid the accident.

36. Defensive driving requires continual exercise of good judgment and good driving habits with an awareness that all drivers cannot be relied upon to drive properly and safely.

37. ELEMENTS OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING
KNOWLEDGE - The operator must know the rules of the road, be aware of the proper procedures for passing, yielding the right-of-way, and other maneuvers. In addition, they must know their own limitations, the vehicle’s limitations, and limitations imposed by the environment such as traffic and weather conditions.

38. ALERTNESS – The emergency vehicle operator must develop his/her powers of observation to be fully aware of what is happening. The driver must be alert to potential hazards, and to changing weather and driving conditions.

39. VISION – A driver should “aim high” by raising his/her field of vision to at least one-quarter mile ahead to observe potential hazards. As speed increases, visual acuity, peripheral vision, and depth perception all deteriorate.
JUDGMENT – The emergency vehicle operator must know what to do and when to do it……every time!!!!

40. STAY CALM – It is critically important that the emergency vehicle operator remain calm and drive in a safe manner. Reckless driving, even in response to an emergency, is never acceptable. The driver who drives in an aggressive manner, failing to observe safety precautions, is a menace to other vehicles, pedestrians, and other firefighters in the vehicle.

41. SKILL – The emergency vehicle operator must have a good basic knowledge of how to handle the vehicle. Skill is the result of proper training plus practice.
Remember – if you try to drive like a veteran, you may not be around long enough to be a veteran.

42. Defensive Driving Techniques
Anticipating Other Driver’s Reactions
Always anticipate what other drivers will do but never assume they will react in the appropriate manner. Just the sound of a siren may cause some people to panic and pull into your path or stop in front of you. Always negotiate intersections in a very cautious manner.

43. Light & Sirens
Just because you know all your lights are on and the sirens are in use, do not assume everyone can see and hear you. Many accidents have been caused by over-reliance on warning devices.
Expect the unexpected!!!!

44. Defensive Driving Control Factors
Aim high in steering – Find a safe path well ahead of you. The faster you are going, the further ahead you MUST look down the roadway. Too many vehicle operators drive by only observing a few hundred feet ahead of the apparatus.

45. Defensive Driving Control Factors
Get the big picture / Stay back and see it all – Our traffic congestion gets worse almost every day. Never push your position by forgetting to adjust your speed based upon traffic and weather conditions. Anticipate stops and turns by analyzing traffic conditions well ahead of you.

46. Defensive Driving Control Factors
Keep your eyes moving – Always scan your mirrors and observe what is going on all around your apparatus. Focusing only on the area in front of the apparatus could be a very deadly mistake.

47. Defensive Driving Control Factors
Leave your self a way “out” – By always being prepared for the unexpected, there is less of a chance the need will arise for a last resort maneuver such as evasive steering or emergency braking. Either can make for a VERY bad day.

48. Defensive Driving Control Factors
Make sure others can see and hear you – Use ALL your warning devices. They have been placed on the apparatus for a purpose. A siren will do you no good if it isn’t used properly.

49. VISUAL LEAD-TIME
Visual lead-time is directly proportional to the speed you are traveling and the amount of time required to stop the vehicle. The faster you are traveling, the further you should be scanning the roadway due to the additional distance needed to stop. If visibility is poor, slow your speed to compensate.

50. Braking and Reaction Time/Distance
The average reaction time for an unimpaired driver is approximately ¾ of a second. At 45 miles per hour, you would travel an additional 50 feet before the braking maneuver begins. At 60 miles per hour, this distance increases to 66 feet. Remember, this distance is traveled before your foot can move to the brake pedal.

51. Braking and Reaction Time/Distance
Once the brakes have been applied at 45 miles per hour, it takes another 210 feet to stop, making the total stopping distance at 45 miles per hour 260 feet.
At 60 miles per hour, the braking distance is increased to 370 feet and the total stopping distance is 436 feet.

52. Several Factors Affect Your Ability To Stop
Weight of the vehicle – know your apparatus
Condition of the roadway – Is it wet, dry, smooth surface or rough surface?
Condition of the tires – A thorough daily checkout could detect safety defects.
Condition of the braking system – If the vehicle does not stop properly, it should be out-of-service.
Speed being traveled – Does faster really pay off?

53. What Causes Skids?
Failure to properly appreciate shifting weights of heavy apparatus
Improper use of auxiliary braking devices
Driving too fast for road conditions
Failure to anticipate obstacles
Improper maintenance of tires and tire pressure
Lack of knowledge of preventing skids from occurring

54. Controlling A Skid
Should you find yourself going into a skid, let off the accelerator, release the brakes, slightly turn into the direction of the skid and again lightly apply the brakes. A hard braking maneuver during a skid will do nothing but make the skid worse and harder to overcome.

55. Braking – ABS braking Systems
Antilock braking systems make all vehicles safer and easier to stop. During braking applying a firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal allows the on-board ABS computer to sense a locked wheel within milliseconds. NEVER pump ABS brakes.

56. Braking – Non-ABS Braking Systems
Some older apparatus are not equipped with ABS, therefore, should a wheel lock-up without ABS brakes, release the brakes allowing the wheels to again turn causing rolling friction. Then apply threshold braking until the vehicle is brought under control.

57. Brake Fade
All our apparatus older than 1997 have disc brakes. Brake fade is less likely on this type of braking system. All apparatus 1997 and newer have drum brakes. Brake fade is more likely with drum brakes because more of the braking surface (90%) is used and as a result, brake surfaces get hotter much faster.

58. During brake fade the brake drum will overheat and expand
During brake fade the brake drum will overheat and expand. When this happens less of the drum area is in contact with the brake shoes. Each repeated stopping distance will increase – sometimes dramatically. By anticipating stops well ahead of time, we can help eliminate heavy stopping maneuvers and brake fade. Brake fade at best is scary, at worst it is deadly.

59. MOMENTUM AND INERTIA
Momentum is the speed of a vehicle’s mass X its velocity. Momentum is the actions of a moving vehicle.
Inertia is the force that makes a moving vehicle tend to stay in motion in the same direction. As momentum increases, it is more difficult to overcome the effects of inertia.

60. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE
Centrifugal force is the force that tends to push a vehicle traveling around a curve away from the center of the turning radius. Centrifugal force is influenced by both speed and the radius of the curve. The higher the speed, the greater the centrifugal force. The tighter the curve, the greater the centrifugal force.

61. WEIGHT TRANSFER
Weight transfer is the shifting of the vehicle’s weight every time a vehicle accelerates, decelerates, or changes directions. When a vehicle “leans” while going through a curve, inertia and centrifugal force are both at work causing vehicle weight transfer.

62. NIGHT VISION Night vision can vary greatly from person to person.
Less light at night obviously makes good vision more difficult.
Flashes of bright light can diminish night vision.
Dirty windshields and mirrors will lower night vision even more.

63. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Approximately six times more people are killed on wet roads than on snow or ice covered roads combined.
The first 30 minutes after rain begins is the most hazardous time to be driving on wet roadways.
Avoid sudden moves with the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator.
In extremely heavy rainfall, occasionally tap the brakes to make sure they are not grabbing or pulling.

64. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Make sure tires are inflated properly.
Keep the windshield clear at all times.
Verify that all traction devices are functioning properly.
Be aware of temperature decreases to lessen the unexpected encountering of “black ice.”
Leave extra stopping distances.

65. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Always drive with low beams on during adverse weather.
It takes 3 – 15 times farther to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
Slow down and drive cautiously!!!

66. EVASIVE STEERING
Evasive steering means a sudden or extreme change in the vehicle’s direction.
If this maneuver is required, consider the following:
Can the vehicle be safely steered off the right or left side of the roadway?
Are there any obstacles on the roadway?
Are there any oncoming vehicles?

67. EVASIVE STEERING
How stable is the road surface and is it likely to contribute to loss of control?
By utilizing one of the basics of defensive driving – looking well ahead – this critical
maneuver can be made easier and safer or avoided all together.

68. AUXILIARY BRAKING DEVICES
NFPA 1901 requires that all fire apparatus with a GVWR above 36,000 lbs. be equipped with an approved auxiliary braking device. All our fire apparatus 2001 and newer also have this device interfaced with the transmission. This causes a downward shift in the transmission when the device activates.

69. JACOBS BRAKE
The jake brake is a device that is mounted on the overhead of the engine and basically turns the action of the exhaust valves into a giant compressor.
The higher the horsepower and rpm the greater the effect of the jake brake.

70. JACOBS BRAKE
It is hydraulically operated with essentially no moving parts.
It is very ineffective on trucks when it does not downshift the transmission.
Average cost installed - $3,000 - $5,000.

71. TRANSMISSION RETARDER
This device is an integral part of the transmission.
It is an output retarder and is mounted on the rear of the transmission and is silent in operation.
Retarder chamber fills with hydraulic fluid when activated.

72. TRANSMISSION RETARDER
50% activation is achieved when the foot is removed from the accelerator. The remaining 50% is achieved when the brake is applied.
Can cause extreme transmission overheating.
Price installed is $5,000 - $7,000.

73. ELECTROMAGNETIC RETARDER (TELMA)
Installed directly on the driveline behind the transmission.
Uses electromagnetic current to slow the driveline and is silent in operation.
Initially activates when the foot is removed from the accelerator.
Initial activation is 25%.

74. ELECTROMAGNETIC RETARDER (TELMA)
Activation is dependent upon brake pedal pressure. The harder the pedal is depressed, the greater the stopping power.
Cost installed is $10,000 - $14,000.

75. Cost of Life: Priceless
ALL auxiliary braking devices must be turned off when traveling on wet or slick roadways.