FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
I.
II.
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 1 of 7
DRIVER SAFETY (RESPONSIBILITY)
A.
The following guideline pertains to all driver operations both emergency and
non-emergency and while responding from home to station, from station to any
operation or location, and returning to station.
B.
It is the responsibility of the driver/operator/Captain to drive safely and prudently at
all times. All District Vehicles and Personal Response Vehicles (PRV) shall be
operated in compliance with all Missouri State and local traffic laws. Emergency
response does not absolve the driver of any vehicle of the responsibility to drive with
caution. The driver/operator/Captain shall at all times be responsible for the safety
of all personnel riding in the vehicle and be aware of all changing road and traffic
conditions and act accordingly.
C.
The Districts public image shall be maintained by prudent courteous operation of
apparatus while in public view. All non-emergency apparatus handling will be
towards the betterment of patrons convenience. This entails yielding, not blocking
passage, not parking in fire lanes, not traveling through restricted lanes of travel. In
non-emergency status, apparatus will not be left running while parked except in
temperatures below freezing or to 95 degree, or when not using repeater’s.
Apparatus shall not enter onto private (not public) property unless in the line of
duty. Courteous driving will be practiced on public roads, as not to tail gate, cut off
traffic for lane changes, race through yellow traffic lights and other aggressive
driving traits.
DRIVER SAFETY (WARNING DEVICES)
A.
When responding emergency, while driving any District Vehicle or PRV, warning
lights and sirens must be used to warn drivers of other vehicles, as required by
Missouri State Statutes.
B.
The use of sirens and warning lights does not automatically give the right-of-way to
any emergency vehicle. These devices simply request the right-of-way from other
drivers, based on their awareness of the emergency vehicle's presence.
Emergency vehicle drivers must make every possible effort to make their presence
and intended actions known to other drivers, and must drive defensively to be
prepared for the unexpected or inappropriate actions of others.
C.
When responding to a call and using lights and siren, you are authorized to exceed
posted speed limits when prudent only in favorable conditions. This applies only
with light traffic, good roads, good visibility and dry pavement.
Under less than favorable conditions, the posted speed limit is the absolute
D.
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 2 of 7
maximum permissible.
III.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY
A.
Fort Osage Fire District vehicles shall be operated in a manner that provides for
the safety of all persons and property. Safe arrival shall always have priority over
unnecessary speed and reckless driving to an emergency incident.
B.
Prompt, Safe Response Shall Be Attained By:
1.
2.
3.
4.
C.
Leaving the station in a standard manner:
a.
quickly mounting apparatus
b.
all personnel on board, seated and belts on
c.
station doors fully open
Driving defensively and professionally at reasonable speeds.
Knowing where we are going.
Using warning devices to move around traffic and to request the
right-of-way in a safe predictable manner.
Emergency Response Criteria
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Traveling in center or left lanes, at a safe speed.
Traveling in center, or left lane, complete stop at all traffic lights/stop signs.
Posted speed limit when entering intersections with green light.
Complete stop at all red lights, stop signs.
Multi lane highways, travel in left lane.
D.
Intersections present the greatest potential danger to emergency vehicles. When
approaching and crossing an intersection with the right-of-way, drivers shall not
exceed the posted speed limit.
E.
When emergency vehicles must use center or turn traffic lanes to approach
controlled intersections, (traffic light or stop sign) they must come to a complete
stop before proceeding through the intersection, including occasions when the
emergency vehicle has green traffic lights.
F.
When approaching a negative right-of-way intersection (red light, stop sign) the
vehicle shall come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the driver can
account for all oncoming traffic in all lanes yielding the right-of-way.
EMERGENCY DRIVING
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
I.
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 3 of 7
INTERSECTIONS
A.
Negotiating the intersection, even more than the open road, requires the
emergency vehicle driver to think ahead. Some cardinal rules of driving
intersections are:
1.
B.
When approaching the intersection you shall overtake traffic on the left
when possible. If you are planning to turn at the intersection, you should
signal well in advance. If you are to go against a red light or stop sign, you
should come to a complete stop at the intersection before passing through
it.
Although it is normally not acceptable for a vehicle to stop in the crosswalk, this is
the best place for the emergency vehicle to stop at intersections while on
emergency runs. Actually it is best to stop just before the crosswalk, insure that it
is empty, and then roll into it and stop again. By doing so, the driver can
accomplish three things:
1.
2.
3.
Makes the vehicle easily visible to others approaching the intersection.
Keeps pedestrians on the curb, and
Also lets the other traffic know the urgency of the situation and of his
intention of occupying the intersection.
C.
As the intersection is cleared and the emergency vehicle driver looks briefly at
each of the other drivers, he must also realize that a vehicle might be hidden from
his view by a larger vehicle. If you can't see them, they can't see you!
D.
The intersection where the traffic light is about to complete its cycle is especially
dangerous. It is very common for motorists who have been timing the lights for
several blocks to enter an intersection early, before the light has actually changed
in their favor. And, of course, drivers attempting to get through an intersection on
a yellow light often end up going through on a red. The only way to avoid a
collision with these drivers, as well as those who just aren't paying attention is to
slow down at all intersections, and gain eye contact and commitment before
proceeding.
E.
When you are planning on turning right at an intersection, you generally must still
overtake the traffic on the left. This will best allow everyone else on the road to
see your emergency vehicle. To make this turn safely, the driver shall pull well into
the intersection before making the right turn. Once again, a cushion of the time
and space must be provided between your vehicle and other vehicles.
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 4 of 7
F.
Probably the most dangerous situation in emergency driving occurs when the
emergency vehicle driver attempts to pass a vehicle that is signaling to turn left.
Coming up behind this motorist, you simply cannot know what the other driver will
do. By passing this vehicle on the left, you are inviting a collision. It is very
common for the lead driver to decide to complete his left turn to get out of the way
of the emergency vehicle. Such a reaction is even more likely if oncoming traffic
slows or pulls over for your emergency vehicle. The lead vehicle driver might then
misinterpret their action as courtesy towards him and complete the left turn. You
can't pass this vehicle on the right side either. This driver could also pull to the
right when he sees you coming. The only alternative is to wait this driver out until
he makes a commitment, then proceed with caution.
G.
Almost every emergency vehicle response will have another emergency vehicle
responding with it. Remember, two emergency vehicles cannot occupy the same
intersection simultaneously. Always be watchful for other emergency vehicles at
intersections. If you are approaching an intersection and you believe there may be
another emergency vehicle approaching the intersection from another direction,
use your radio to announce your approach to the intersection.
Example: "Engine 3 approaching 18th and Whitney. Each emergency vehicle
shall use different
siren signal, first vehicle on yelp, second on wail.
H.
The only way to drive on an emergency response is with caution. Caution does
not mean you can't be as expeditious as possible; it only means that you can't
accept any additional risk. There is no law that states that you can't slow down
and even stop during an emergency. Take the time to acquire eye contact and a
commitment from each driver on the road. The time required to gain this can be
kept short by placing the emergency vehicle where other drivers can make a
sound decision as how to yield to you.
I.
All Fort Osage Fire District Personnel are required to use seat belts at all times
when operating a vehicle. Anyone riding as a passenger in any vehicle is also
required to use seat belts. The Company Officer will confirm that all personnel and
riders are on-board, properly attired, with seat belts on, before the vehicle is
permitted to move.
J.
All personnel shall ride only in regular seats provided with seat belts. Riding on
tailboards or other exposed positions is not permitted on any vehicle at any time.
K.
During an emergency response, fire vehicles should avoid passing other
emergency vehicles. If passing is necessary, permission must be obtained
through radio communications.
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
II.
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 5 of 7
L.
The unique hazards of driving on or adjacent to the fireground requires the driver
to use extreme caution and to be alert and prepared to react to the unexpected.
M.
Drivers must consider the dangers their moving vehicle poses to fireground
personnel and spectators who may be preoccupied with the emergency, and may
inadvertently step in front of or behind a moving vehicle.
N.
When stopped at the scene of an accident, vehicles shall have their parking brake
set, wheel chock placed and apparatus positioned to protect personnel who may
be working in the street and warning lights shall be used to make approaching
traffic aware of the incident. At night, vehicle mounted floodlights and any other
lighting available shall be used to illuminate the scene. If it is not necessary to park
vehicles in or near traffic lanes, the vehicle should be pulled off the road to parking
lots, curbs, etc., whenever possible.
O.
The officer in charge of the vehicle is responsible for the safety of all vehicle
operations and managing compliance of this procedure.
VEHICLE BACKING (NON-EMERGENCY)
A.
Backing of Fire District vehicles should be avoided whenever possible. Where
backing is unavoidable spotters shall be used at all times. In addition, spotters
shall be used when vehicles must negotiate forward turns with restrictive side
clearances and where height clearances are uncertain. These procedures shall be
used, but not restricted to any apparatus operating in a condition without
emergency warning devices activated. Only in extreme instances should personnel
attempt to back apparatus without spotters, and do so at risk.
1.
Spotters shall be utilized at all instances. No more than two personnel
should be used as spotters in direct control of apparatus movement. A third
person can be used for traffic control. Non-Fire district personnel can be
used in necessary instances were it is deemed unsafe not to use them.
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 6 of 7
2.
At least two spotters should be used when a backing and a turning
maneuver is attempted at the same time. This is to spot the reverse travel
and the side movement of the apparatus. This is to include at the Stations.
3.
Spotters will not be positioned anywhere on the apparatus. All spotters
have to be on the ground and stay in the view of the driver.
4.
The backing plan will be discussed prior to the maneuver between the
spotter and the driver.
5.
Any apparatus side window will be in the down position on the side a
spotter is utilized.
6.
The communication/warning process will be agreed upon prior to backing.
7.
The backing procedure will not commence until all spotters are in position.
When backing takes place among other traffic, the backing
apparatus will use its emergency lights.
8.
III.
Apparatus will not be backed while loading hose. The apparatus
can move forward with a spotter. No personnel will be on the
tailboard and if personnel are needed in the hose bed, they shall
not be in a
standing position.
VEHICLE BACKING DURING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
A.
This situation applies to apparatus in direct support and activity associated with
emergency operations. This does not absolve any responsibility of following
guidelines set forth in regards to backing District apparatus. The following
precautions should be practiced when personnel are operating apparatus alone.
1.
When Fire District personnel are unavailable, Non-District personnel can
be utilized. The operator should use prudent judgement in backer selection
in regards to maturity, and ability. Discussion and understanding of your
expectations and their role must be understood before the backing can
commence.
2.
All attempts should be practiced not to back or further operate District
apparatus on private property. Even on alarms, apparatus should be
positioned on the road way, and only vehicle’s needed in direct support of
the operation need to placed on driveways and on other private access and
FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING
Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05
Applies To: All Personnel
G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 7 of 7
public properties. Large facilities, like shopping centers, schools, were
there is maneuvering room can be utilized at the discretion of Command.
3.
IV.
When no backers are present, and circumstances require backing,
operators shall walk a 360 degree survey around the apparatus to spot
obstructions before the backing attempt.
SIGNALS
A.
STRAIGHT BACK: One hand above the head with palm toward face, waving
back. Other hand at your side. (Left or right hand optional) See Figure 1.
B.
TURN: Both arms pointing the same direction with index fingers extended. See
Figure 2. (Driver has option as to which way he turns apparatus and signalman
then assists the driver in backing apparatus.)
C.
STOP: Both arms thrust above head with open hands. See Figure
D.
NIGHT BACKING: Signals will be the same. The signalman will assure that the
spotlights on rear of apparatus are turned on before he allows apparatus to be
backed. A flashlight may be carried, but at no time will it be directed toward mirror.
See Figure 4, 5, 6, and 7.
E.
Remember, once the driver has determined the direction of the turn, the signalman
has complete control of the movement of the apparatus. If there is ever any doubt
as to the safety of either signalman or apparatus, stop the maneuver until proper
adjustments are made.