SPEARFISH FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Page 1 of 8 Volume: Operations Section: 20.00 Number: 20.06 Subject: Emergency & Private Vehicle Operations & Driver Requirements Date Issued: 13 march 2017 Rescinds: Originator: Fire Chief M. Sachara Approval: Fire Chief M. Sachara I. Background The Spearfish Fire District (SFD) recognizes that 25% of annual firefighter deaths are attributed to traffic collisions in response to, or returning from, an emergency incident. Officers and drivers need to recognize that they are responsible for firefighter and public safety while in control of a vehicle. Requirements for drivers and officers, as well as the vehicle operation policy, will help SFD personnel achieve the mission of protecting lives and property. II. Purpose This policy lists driver selection and operation requirements, outlines officer and driver responsibilities, and specifies emergency and private vehicle practices for the SFD. The policy provides guidance for both emergency and routine driving. III. Driver Requirements SFD vehicle drivers must: 1. Be 18 years old, or older 2. Have valid South Dakota driver's license 3. Within 24 hours report (written documentation) to the Chief or Assistant Chief, any medical condition that will limit ability to drive 4. Have clear motor vehicle report (MVR) for three (3) years (reviewed annually). This means no Class A violations and no more than two (2) Class B violations, as defined below. 5. Complete emergency vehicle driver training program (classroom training) prior to driving fire department vehicles 6. Report (written documentation) any accident or moving violation within 24 hours to the Chief or Assistant Chief 7. Maintain current South Dakota vehicle registration 8. Maintain motor vehicle insurance in accordance with South Dakota Revised Statutes 9. Submit to blood test following any accident resulting in injury or death and property accidents, as determined by Chief and/or law enforcement investigators 1
Class A Violations: 1. Driving while intoxicated 2. Driving under the influence of drugs 3. Negligent homicide arising out of use of a motor vehicle (gross negligence) 4. Using a motor vehicle for the commission of a felony 5. Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle 6. Operating a motor vehicle without owner's authority 7. Operating during a period of suspension or revocation 8. Permitting an unlicensed person to drive 9. Reckless driving 10. Hit and run driving Class B Violations: All moving violations not listed as Type A. Note: Unusual circumstances with individual cases may be evaluated by Chief. An employee/volunteer who is convicted of a Class A violation shall not be allowed to drive SFD vehicles for three (3) years and may be subject to additional disciplinary action. This individual will be required to attend additional driver training (at his/her expense) and must re-certify as a SFD driver. An employee/volunteer who has any combination of two (2) Class B violations and/or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period will be issued a letter of warning. An employee/volunteer who has any combination of three (3), or more, Class B violations and/or chargeable accidents in a three (3) year period will be suspended from driving for a period of one (1) year and may be subject to further disciplinary action. In addition this individual must attend additional driver training (at his/her expense) and re-certify as a SFD driver. IV. Driver Responsibilities 1. Driver shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of the vehicle under all conditions 2. Driver's first priority shall be for the safe arrival of the vehicle at his/her destination 3. Driver shall not move the vehicle until all personnel are seated in approved riding positions and are secured with seat belts. 4. Use of cell phones or any electronic devices is prohibited and driver shall not engage in any other distracting activities, e.g. eating, reaching for a drink, 2
putting on gloves, etc. 5. During emergency response, the driver shall take precaution to prevent a potential collision by keeping speed slow enough to be able to stop or by coming to a complete stop for any of the following: a. When directed by a law enforcement officer b. Red traffic lights c. Stop signs d. Negative right-of-way intersections e. Blind intersections f. When driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in an intersection g. When other intersection hazards are present h. School bus stopped with flashing red lights activated i. Railroad grade crossings 6. During non-emergency travel, driver shall obey all traffic control signals and signs as well as all laws and rules set forth by state or local jurisdiction 7. During emergency response driver shall turn off lights and siren through school zones during school hours 8. Maintain safe following distance and be aware of "rate of closure" on other vehicles or pedestrians V. Officer Responsibilities The officer/acting officer or person in the front seat is also responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and may be found negligent in the event that the vehicle causes injury or property damage. Officer/acting officer shall: Ensure that all personnel are seated in approved riding positions and are secured with seat belts prior to the vehicle moving Ensure that the driver is operating the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner under the conditions and in accordance with state statutes and SFD policy Warn the driver of road and physical hazards Order the driver to cease unsafe driving, such as excess speed and unsafe intersection practices Be responsible for radio communications during response Operate audio warning devices Check map book or GPS to assist driver and determine the safest most direct route to emergency scene 3
VI. Procedures Definitions: True emergency: a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual, or significant property loss Circle of safety: the area that is around, and includes the vehicle, that must be checked for safety prior to that vehicle being moved by the driver Code "3": the term used to define an emergency vehicle response mode when emergency lights and audible warning devices have been activated Controlled intersection: an intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light, or red traffic light Uncontrolled intersection: an intersection without a control device in the direction of travel of a vehicle, or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of a vehicle that is moving toward this signal from the legally designated direction of travel Actions by an emergency vehicle driver may reduce the seriousness of the situation at a true emergency; however, safe arrival shall remain the first priority of the driver and officer/acting officer. Drivers have a higher standard of care to provide to the motoring public and shall provide due regard for the safety of others. Drivers must constantly monitor conditions and shall take action to reduce risk during every response in accordance to the following: 1. Circle -of safety The emergency vehicle driver shall make a circle of safety around the vehicle to see that all equipment is secured, that all compartment doors are securely closed and any physical obstructions moved out of the way. During the circle of safety the emergency vehicle driver shall encircle the vehicles and visually inspect all four (4) sides. He/she should also verify right side and rear clearance with the person riding in the officer position. 2. Warning devices and true emergencies When responding Code 3 to a true emergency, all audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all times regardless of time of day and/or traffic conditions. Drivers must understand that warning devices are not always effective in making other vehicle operators aware of your presence. Warning devices only request the right-of-way, they do not ensure the right-of-way. 4
3. Vehicle control and right-of-way All drivers shall maintain control of the vehicle that they are operating in such a manner as to provide the maximum level of safety for both their passengers and the general public. Emergency vehicle drivers should be aware that the civilian vehicle operators may not react in the manner which is expected or felt to be appropriate. An attempt should be made to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver cannot force the right of way, nor can you assume the right of way, therefore you do not have the right of way until the other vehicle yields to you. The driver shall be aware of his/her rate of closure on other vehicles and pedestrians at all times to make sure that a safe following distance is established and maintained. All drivers shall follow the rule for safe following distance and allow one (1) second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length for speeds under 40 mph and add 1 additional second for each 10 mph for speeds over 40 mph. 4. Response speeds When responding to a true emergency, drivers shall operate the vehicle they are driving in a reasonable manner, based on road and weather conditions. When safe, they may exceed the posted speed limit according to the following: Engines, Heavy Rescue, Ladder and Wildland Engines will be limited to approximately ten (10) miles per hour over the posted speed limit and pick-up trucks or SUVs will be limited to approximately twenty (20) miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Maximum response speed will be reduced whenever road, traffic or weather conditions do not permit the safe operation of your emergency vehicle regardless of the posted speed limit During periods of inclement weather (wet, snow or icy conditions), the maximum response speed will not exceed the posted speed limit The maximum speed when proceeding through any uncontrolled intersection or green light should be less than the posted speed limit, and the driver shall be able to stop to avoid potential collision. 5. Intersection Practices Drivers shall use extreme caution when approaching any intersection as intersections are the locations responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. 5
Controlled intersections Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires Prudent Action by the emergency vehicle driver. The following steps should be taken: Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast etc.) as well as driver options Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the drivers foot, continue to scan in 4 directions (left, right, front, back) Change the siren cadence not less than 200 feet from intersection Scan intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.) avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible If all traffic in all lanes cannot be accounted for, the driver should bring the vehicle to a complete stop. If the driver proceeds past a control device with a negative right-of-way without coming to a complete stop, both the driver and officer must provide an explanation of the circumstances that permitted them to do so Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clear; reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped Account for traffic one lane at a time, treating each lane. as a separate intersection Uncontrolled intersections Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of the emergency vehicle all emergency vehicle drivers should do the following: Slow down to less than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop to prevent a collision Change the siren cadence not less than 200 feet from intersection Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.). Observe traffic in all four (4) directions (left, right, front, rear) Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible. Railroad intersections At any time a driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing he/she shall drive slow enough to account for any rail traffic (locomotive, rail cars or work vehicles) and be able to stop to avoid a collision OR bring the vehicle he/she is operating to a 6
complete stop before entering the grade crossing. In addition the emergency vehicle driver shall perform the following, as necessary, prior to proceeding: Turn off all sirens and air horns Operate the motor at idle speed Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories Open the windows and listen for a train's horn 6. Non-emergency response and ordinary travel Driver shall make a Circle of Safety (see Section Vl.1) before any vehicle is moved. When responding to a call in a non-emergency response mode or normal flow of traffic (non-code 3 or when not responding to a true emergency) the vehicle will be operated without any audible or visual warning devices and in compliance with all state motor vehicle laws that apply to civilian traffic. All drivers shall obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving any SFD vehicle under ordinary travel conditions. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any vehicle in an aggressive manner will be subject to disciplinary action including, suspension of driving privileges. 7. Riding policy The department requires all persons riding on fire apparatus to be seated in approved riding positions and be secured to the vehicle by seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion. The emergency vehicle driver and/or the person riding in the officer position shall verify that all personnel are personnel are properly seated and in seat belts before the vehicle is moved. Standard communication signals should be formulated and utilized by all personnel. The Department prohibits riding on tail steps, sidesteps, running boards, or any other exposed position. 8. Backing The Department recognizes that backing emergency vehicles is made hazardous by the fact that the driver cannot see much of where he/she intends to go. The Department, recommends that whenever possible drivers should avoid backing, as the safest practice is to not back up at all. When it is necessary to back-up, drivers shall follow one of the following methods: The first choice when backing is that, before any vehicle is put into reverse and backed a spotter shall be put in place near the rear of the vehicle. The spotter should be safely positioned on the driver's side so that the driver can see them at all times. If at any time the driver loses sight of the spotter, he/she shall stop immediately until the spotter makes himself/herself visible again. Driver and spotter shall discuss the intended path of travel. Speed, in reverse, should be no faster than the spotter can walk while backstepping. 7
If conditions exist that make use of spotters impossible, the driver, before attempting to back up, shall make a Circle of Safety to see that; no person or persons are directly behind the vehicle or in its intended path of travel, and that any physical obstructions are moved out of the way. The driver should also note all potential obstructions in the intended path of travel. 9. Response in private owned vehicles When any member responds to the station or to the scene of an emergency in his/her private vehicle, each member must strictly adhere to all applicable motor vehicle laws. Privately owned vehicles are not provided with the same exemptions that are provided to emergency vehicles. No member of the organization will be permitted to violate any motor vehicle laws, and no member is authorized to respond "Code 3." Refer to SOP that addresses use of a Blue Light. 8