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2 Why Are We Here ?

3 DUE REGARD A reasonably careful person performing the similar duties and under similar circumstances would act in the same manner

4 The Problem Emergency vehicles involved in rear end collisions account for 15% of frequency of accidents

5 Following Distance The measure of the area of constant clear space between two moving vehicles

6 Inadequate following distance…. è Reduces other driver’s reaction time èReduces vehicle operator’s reaction time and stopping time èMakes warning lights ineffective

7 èLimits escape route options èLimits field of vision èCauses emergency vehicles to become hidden in blind spots of motor vehicle operators Inadequate following distance….

8 RATE OF CLOSURE The measure of diminishing time and clear space between a vehicle in motion and either a stopped vehicle or a slower moving vehicle

9 Rate of closure is also the measure of diminishing time and clear space between two oncoming vehicles

10 Unsafe rate of closure: èCauses other drivers to be caught off guard and panic èReduces your ability to react due to decrease of space and time between objects èLimits the effectiveness of your vehicle’s warning devices

11 èIs not dependent upon excessive speed èStartles drivers, causing rushed or unpredictable maneuvers èReduces the number of emergency vehicle operator options Unsafe rate of closure:

èGreatly increases the risk of being involved in an accident èForces stopped vehicles to jam intersections and force the public into driving situations that they are not able to comprehend Unsafe rate of closure:

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14 Michigan: Mobile Medical Response faces one count of negligent homicide for their role in a July 1999 ambulance crash in which she allegedly ran a stop sign during a non-emergency transport and killed a motorist

15 If a civilian vehicle fails to give right of way You don’t have it You can’t force it You can not assume it

16 The Problem: Civilian vehicles not able to yield right of way Civilian vehicles not willing to yield right of way

17 Reasons Civilian Vehicles Not Able or Unwilling to Yield to Emergency Vehicles: Emergency vehicle operator does not allow civilian vehicle to safely yield right-of-way Civilian drivers may not understand motor vehicle laws in the state and therefore, they would not be able to yield the right-of-way

18 Reasons Civilian Vehicles Not Able To or Unwilling to Yield to Emergency Vehicles: Lack of mental awareness of civilian driver, therefore they are not willing to yield right-of-way Poor attitude of drivers and lack of awareness, therefore they are not willing to yield right-of-way

19 Reasons Civilian Vehicles Not Able To or Unwilling to Yield to Emergency Vehicles: Physical Obstructions of environment, therefore they are not able to yield right-of-way

20 The Problem: High Incidence of Intersection Accidents

21 GENERAL CONCERNS : Intersections are the locations for the most frequent and severe vehicle accidents due to: Restricted visibility Other drivers’ actions Vehicle density Over aggressiveness of the emergency vehicle operator

22 Texas: A Medic One paramedic died and another sustained serious injuries in Jan. when their ambulance rear-ended an 18- wheeler. Heavy fog limited visibility, and the ambulance did not have its emergency lights on. The paramedic who died was not wearing a seatbelt.

23 Intersection accidents are the result of the following improper Driving Strategies….. ¶ Emergency vehicle operators’ failure to make sure intersection was clear · Excessive Speed ¸ Not driving with “DUE REGARD” ¹ Poor defensive driving skills.

24 º Emergency vehicle operators assume that civilian drivers are aware of their presence. » Failure to anticipate obstacles and potential obstacles moving into your path of travel ¼ Lack of Awareness on the part of the civilian driver ½ Physical Obstructions.

25 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INTERSECTION ACCIDENTS

26 Results of Improper Emergency Vehicle Driving Strategies: ¬ The public is Confused. ­ High Speed limits evasive maneuvers available to emergency vehicle operator ® Reaction and stopping time reduced.

27 Results of Improper Emergency Vehicle Driving Strategies: ¯ Potential increased for : kHead-on collisions kHitting/rear-ending stopped vehicles kBroadsiding and/or sideswiping vehicles

28 ACCIDENT FREQUENCY BY TYPE

29 ACCIDENT SEVERITY BY TYPE

30 Special Precautions To Use for All Intersections è As you approach intersection, scan potential path of travel for hazards. èAt not less than 200 feet from intersection activate “yelp” mode of siren. è Start slowing down at this time and prepare to come to a complete stop prior to entering intersection.

31 Special Precautions To Use for All Intersections èAvoid traveling in opposing traffic lanes unless it is absolutely necessary. Make sure opposing lane is clear Proceed with caution Pass one vehicle at a time

32 Crossing on Uncontrolled or Green traffic Signal Position your vehicle in appropriate lane for your path of travel Scan your path of travel and observe potential hazards Adjust speed so that vehicle could be brought to a stop and at not less than 200 ft prior to intersection, Activate “yelp” mode

33 Crossing on Uncontrolled or Green Traffic Signal While decreasing speed, observe all four directions, establish eye contact with other vehicles who may enter intersections. Verify no other vehicles in the intersection. Proceed with caution through the intersection.

34 Crossing on Red Traffic Signal Position your vehicle in appropriate lane for your path of travel Scan your path of travel and observe potential hazards. Slow down, cover brake pedal. At no less than 200ft prior to reaching intersection, activate yelp” mode

35 Crossing on Red Traffic Signal Come to a complete stop at intersection Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers. Have partner communicate “all is clear” reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.

36 Crossing on Red Traffic Signal Proceed one lane at a time Use this procedure for each lane that will be crossed.

37 Making Right or Left Turns Across Stopped Vehicles Bring vehicle to a complete stop. Use turn signals to communicate direction you will be turning.

38 Driver or partner should establish eye contact with side stopped vehicle and should verbally communicate to each other that turning path is clear. Making Right or Left Turns Across Stopped Vehicles

39 Proceed with caution, checking the stopped vehicles and the intersection frequently to assure that it is still clear and safe to proceed. Making Right or Left Turns Across Stopped Vehicles

40 THE PROBLEM: Inadequate or improper use of red lights and siren. Some examples of this are …... Lights and siren used to clear inter- sections so emergency vehicle operator does not stop. Warning devices switched “on” and “off” throughout emergency response

41 Inadequate or improper use of red lights and siren. Utilizing warning lights during non-emergency transports Utilizing lights and siren to force civilian vehicles through intersections.

42 Role of red lights and siren: REQUEST permission for the right-of-way Notify the public of your presence. Allow public to safely yield to emergency vehicle

43 Common civilian reactions to lights and siren: PanicConfusion Unaware of presence of emergency vehicle

44 Common reasons civilian drivers ignore lights and siren: Air Conditioners, Heaters Soundproof vehicles Cell Phones Rolled-up windows. Loud Music Verbal communication inside the vehicle Hearing impaired drivers Lack of Driver awareness

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46 TRUE EMERGENCY…. A SITUATION IN WHICH THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO AN INDIVIDUAL, OR SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY LOSS, AND ACTION BY AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATOR MAY REDUCE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION

47 Proper use of Lights and Siren in Emergency Mode No vehicle should be operated in emergency mode unless all warning devices are fully operational Only true emergencies should be responded to using warning devices

48 Proper use of Lights and Siren in Emergency Mode True emergencies will be responded to with warning devices regardless of time of day and conditions except where warning devices could cause confusion

49 THE PROBLEM Lack of awareness by emergency vehicle operator during emergency responses CIGNA loss analysis indicates that 72% of all accidents are a result of driver error

50 NYC: An ambulance en route to a non-emergency call in Dec. ran a red light and struck another car, killing a grandmother and injuring her grandson. Although the ambulance’s emergency sirens and lights were on, the patient the ambulance was en route to pick up was not in danger and lived across the street from a hospital.

51 Some examples of lack of emergency vehicle operator awareness are : Casual conversation during response Horseplay/ jokes during emergency response Lack of routine planning

52 Some examples of lack of emergency vehicle operator awareness are : Improper driving technique Hand position on wheel Seat and mirror adjustment. No Seat belts

53 BACKING General considerations: ALWAYS use a spotter if available If you can avoid backing, Don’t ! Do not start to back up when you’re unsure of the area When parking, position you vehicle so that you will not be required to back up when leaving

54 BACKING General considerations: Do not put the unit into reverse before coming to a complete stop Roll the window down completely Make visual and verbal contact with your spotter

55 BACKING If No Spotter is Available: Reconsider backing up. It it really necessary ? Make a reasonable attempt to get someone to act as a spotter

56 If a spotter can not be obtained, get out and walk around the unit completely and survey the backing area. BACKING Be sure to check the overhead clearance

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