46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Apparatus Operation

SUBJECT: Driving Emergency Vehicles

REVISED: 05/2002

PURPOSE:

            To establish fire department policy relative to driving fire apparatus and other department owned vehicles.

POLICY:

A.                All members shall follow departmental guidelines for safe driving.

B.                 The wheel chocks provided with the fire apparatus shall be utilized at all times when the vehicle is parked.

C.                Members driving fire department vehicles shall observe the speed limit, (never exceed a speed which is safe, reasonable and proper for existing conditions).

D.                When backing fire apparatus, a member shall serve as a guide to assist the driver and insure a safe backing operation.

E.                  If no member is able to assist in backing the driver will do a complete walk around of the apparatus before proceeding.

F.                  Members driving fire department vehicles shall utilize defensive driving techniques.

G.               Fire department members driving emergency vehicles shall use extreme caution when approaching and traversing street intersections.

H.                No member shall drive any fire department vehicles until a departmental approved emergency vehicle-driving course has been completed and approved by the captain of that vehicle and the department chief.

I.                    Fire department members driving emergency vehicles shall utilize warning devices in accordance with the guidelines set forth.

J.                  Fire Department members driving emergency vehicles shall use extreme caution on approach to the emergency scene.

K.                 Must hold a valid NYS drivers license.

L.                  Vehicle headlights shall be on at all times.

RESPONSIBILITY:

            All fire department members are responsible to drive in a defensive and safe manner.