Texas Fire World
March-April 2005
By Donna Berny

It has been estimated that the second leading cause of death to firefighters has been due to emergency vehicle collisions. According to In Service Online, in the last 10 years, more than 225 firefighters have died in vehicle accidents while in duty. The accidents can be the result of many factors from equipment malfunction to human error. Researchers have said that the increase of the number of flashing lights increases the likelihood of an accident. An article by Stephen Sullivan said that one Missouri fire department found their accident rates declined when responding without lights and sirens while the time it took to arrive stayed the same. Some psychologists say the color of an emergency vehicle has a better chance of catching civilian attention if they include a greenish yellow color.

Fire Departments can take several actions to help prevent future emergency vehicle collisions. Many of the precautions include a simple regard for rules and procedures outlined by fire departments. In his article, Chris Cavette offers five steps to help improve Emergency Vehicle Safety.

1. Use Seat Belts, failure to do so should result in disciplinary action.

2. Ride Inside, a policy should be established that everyone should ride inside the apparatus cab and prohibit firefighters from riding anywhere on the body of the apparatus.

3. Restrict Alcohol Use, alcohol should be restricted within a reasonable period prior to reporting for duty.

4. Restrict Vehicle Speed, prohibit travel of more than 10mph over the posted speed limit and not more than 20 mph when forced to travel in opposing lanes when responding the emergencies. A maximum speed of 35mph for tankers is reasonable to prevent rollover accidents.

5. Train Drivers, only those who have obtained a valid driver’s license for this type and class of vehicle should be driving an emergency vehicle.

The Emergency Vehicle Safety Report released in August 2004 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also set some guidelines that are meant to assist in improving emergency vehicle safety and preventing accidents. A few of those listed in the initiative include:

- Mark apparatus with conspicuous, contrasting colors

- Install contrasting colored restraints and rearview mirror above the officer’s seat. - Use a spotter when backing the apparatus

- Always bring units to a complete stop at red lights, stop signs and activated or unguarded rail crossings before proceeding

- Require members to wear highly reflective materials when conducting highway operations.

- Require driver training instructors to have appropriate instructor credentials and first hand experience in emergency vehicle operations. More information on the Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative can be obtained free online at www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/research/safety/vehicle.shtm. I Information on training seminars for emergency vehicle safety can also be found from the Emergency Services Education and Consulting Group at
www.vfis.com/esecg_training/train_sem1.htm.

Resources: Cavette, Chris. http://firechief.com/ar/five-steps-toimprove87443/ “Fire Trucks are Supposed to be Red, Right?”
www.psychologymatters.org/solomon.html.
Solomon, Stephen S
.www.respondersafety.com/news.2004/0309_flashinglight.html.