why are we here ?
DESCRIPTION
Why Are We Here ?. DUE REGARD. A reasonably careful person performing the similar duties and under similar circumstances would act in the same manner. The Problem. Emergency vehicles involved in rear end collisions account for 15% - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
1
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 inrear 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….
Reduces other driver’s reaction time
Reduces vehicle operator’s reaction time and stopping time
Makes warning lights ineffective
7
Limits escape route options
Limits field of vision
Causes 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:
Causes other drivers to be caught off guard and panic
Reduces your ability to react due to decrease of space and time between objects
Limits the effectiveness of yourvehicle’s warning devices
11
Is not dependent upon excessive speed
Startles drivers, causing rushed or unpredictable maneuvers
Reduces the number of emergency vehicle operator options
Unsafe rate of closure:
Greatly increases the risk of being involved in an accident
Forces stopped vehicles to jam intersections and force the public into driving situations that they are not able to comprehend
Unsafe rate of closure:
13
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 ableto yield right of way
Civilian vehicles not willingto 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 CONCERNSGENERAL CONCERNS::
Intersections are the locations for the most frequent and severe vehicle accidents due to:
Restricted visibilityOther drivers’ actionsVehicle density
Over aggressiveness of theemergency 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”
Poor defensive driving skills.
24
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
Lack of Awareness on the part of the civilian driver
Physical Obstructions.
25
13%3%
84% Other Driver Error
All other orUnknownAmbulance DriverError
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 :
Head-on collisions
Hitting/rear-ending stopped vehicles
Broadsiding and/or sideswiping vehicles
28
38%
15%41%
6%
Rear-EndLost ControlIntersectionsAll Others
ACCIDENT FREQUENCY BY TYPE
29
10%
24%
60%
6%
Rear-End
Lost Control
Intersections
All Other
ACCIDENT SEVERITY BY TYPE
30
Special PrecautionsTo Use for All Intersections
As you approach intersection, scan potential path of travel for hazards.At not less than 200 feet from intersection activate “yelp” mode of siren. Start slowing down at this time and prepare to come to a complete stop prior to entering intersection.
31
Special PrecautionsTo Use for All Intersections
Avoid 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 reachingintersection, 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:
Panic Confusion
Unaware of presence of emergency vehicle
44
Common reasons civilian drivers ignore lights and siren:Air Conditioners, HeatersSoundproof vehicles Cell PhonesRolled-up windows. Loud MusicVerbal communication inside the vehicleHearing impaired driversLack of Driver awareness
45
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 inemergency 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 wheelSeat and mirror adjustment.No Seat belts
53
BACKING General considerations:
ALWAYS use a spotter if availableIf 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 completelyand survey the backing area.
BACKING
Be sure to check the overhead clearance
57