CLASS

#3Driver Operator Refresher Training

Operating Emergency VehiclesClass #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. 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

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.

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.

CERTIFIED DRIVERS ONLY

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.