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C
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Driver Operator Refresher Training
#3
Operating Emergency
Vehicles
Class #3
Henderson Fire Department
Defensive Driving
Refresher Training
Course Goals
• To provide refresher training to all
personnel of the Henderson Fire
Department.
• All personnel must be able to
successfully perform the skills listed
in the course objectives.
Course Objectives
NFPA 1002 ,Standard on Fire Apparatus
Driver/Operator Professional
Qualifications 2009 Edition
• 4.3.6* Operate a vehicle using defensive
driving techniques under emergency
conditions, given a fire department vehicle
and emergency conditions, so that control of
the vehicle is maintained.
Course Objectives
• 4.3.7* Operate all fixed systems and
equipment on the vehicle, given systems
and equipment, manufacturer’s
specifications and instructions, and
departmental policies and procedures for
the systems and equipment, so that each
system or piece of equipment is operated
in accordance with the applicable
instructions and policies.
Defensive Driving
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions
Estimate Visual Lead Time
Braking Distance and Reaction Times
Knowledge of Weight Transfer
Combating Skids and Evasive Tactics
1. Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions
• Always expect the unexpected !
– Aim high in steering
• Find a safe path well ahead
– Get the Big Picture
– Keep your eyes moving
• Scan – do not stare
– Leave yourself an “out”
– Make sure other drivers can see and hear
you!
2. Estimate Visual Lead Time
• The driver / operator must learn to match
the speed of the apparatus he is driving….
….with the distance of the vehicle ahead
• Visual lead time interacts directly with
reaction time and stopping distances
3. Braking Distance & Reaction Times
• The total stopping distance of a vehicle
is made up of 4 components.
– Perception Time
– Reaction Time
– Vehicle Reaction Time
– Vehicle Braking Capability
The total stopping distance
• The perception time;
– is the time it takes the driver to see a hazard, the
brain realizes it is a hazard, requiring an
immediate reaction. This perception time can be
as long as ¼ to ½ a second.
• Reaction Time
– once the brain realizes danger, the human
reaction time is how long the body takes to move
the foot from accelerator to brake pedal. Again
this reaction time can vary from ¼ - ¾ of a
second.
The total stopping distance
• Vehicle Reaction Time
– once the brake pedal is applied there is the
vehicles reaction time which depends on the
brake pedal free-play, hydraulic properties of the
brake fluid and working order of the braking
system.
• Vehicle Braking Capability
– the last factor that determines the total stopping
distance is the cars braking capability which
depends on many factors:
A cars braking capability
depends on factors such as;
• type of braking
system,
• brake pad material,
• brake alignment,
• tire pressures,
• tire tread and grip,
• vehicle weight,
• suspension system
• friction of the road
surface,
• wind speed,
• slope of road,
• surface smoothness
• the braking
technique applied
by the driver.
4. Knowledge of Weight Transfer
• When a vehicle undergoes a change in
velocity or direction, weight transfer takes
place relative to the severity of the
change.
– Weight transfer in heavy fire apparatus can
contribute to skidding or possible rollover
• Too much speed in turns
• Steep slopes
• Apparatus with large water tanks
5. Combating Skids and Evasive
Tactics
• Conditions that lead to a skid:
– Driving too fast for road conditions
– Failing to properly appreciate weight shifts of
heavy apparatus
– Improper use of auxiliary braking systems
– Improper maintenance of air pressure and
adequate tread depth
Combating Skids
• When apparatus that is not equipped with
an antilock braking system goes into a
skid:
– Release brakes…allowing wheels to rotate freely
– Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid
– Once the skid is controllable apply power to the
wheels to gain traction and control
Operate all Fixed Systems
• The Driver / Operator is responsible for
all specialty systems, tools and
appliances carried on their apparatus.
• Company Officers must evaluate the
Driver / Operators’ knowledge of all
such equipment.
CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY
Driver / Operators must know all
equipment on their apparatus:
• Electric power distribution systems
– Fixed on apparatus
– Portable electrical systems (Cord reels and
adaptors)
• Scene Lighting
– Fixed on apparatus
– Portable lighting
CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY
Driver / Operators must know all
equipment on their apparatus:
• Generators (when applicable)
– Fixed units
– Portable units
• Hydraulic Rescue Tools
• Air Systems and Tools
– Cascade systems
– Air bags and struts
– Supplied Air Systems
CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY
Driver / Operators must know all
equipment on their apparatus:
• Foam Equipment and Systems
– Fixed on apparatus
– Portable (Pro-Pak & Eductor)
• All hand tools and appliances carried
on apparatus.
Summary
Defensive Driving
1. Anticipate other Drivers’ Actions
2. Estimate Visual Lead Time
3. Braking Distance and Reaction Times
4. Knowledge of Weight Transfer
5. Combating Skids and Evasive Tactics
Summary
Operate all Fixed Systems
– Electric power distribution systems
– Scene Lighting
– Generators
– Hydraulic Rescue Tools
– Air Systems and Tools
– Foam Equipment and Systems
– All hand tools and appliances carried on
apparatus.