This article appeared in the June 15, 2005 issue of the International Association of Fire Chief's newsletter On Scene and was concise and to the point. Since this publication has a somewhat different distribution, Federal Signal received permission to reprint.

Federal Signal designs and manufactures warning devices for emergency vehicles. But we do not use them, you do. In all cases it is up to the operator and the officer of the emergency vehicle to ensure that you arrive safely. You must obey local laws regarding the safe operation of an emergency vehicle and even then err on the side of caution.

Remember that you can only be first on scene if you do not become the next scene. And just as important, don't forget to BUCKLE UP. We like having you as a customer.

In the Driver's Seat: Where safety and skills intersect

For drivers of emergency vehicles, intersections are accidents waiting to happen. The highest percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles happen there. Visibility is often restricted. Many vehicles converge there at once. Other drivers' actions can't be anticipated. And all the while, the responder's adrenaline is pumping as he or she focuses on getting there and getting there fast.

Even with the use of warning devices, intersections pose a serious threat to the safety of both emergency service personnel and the general public. Several years ago, a VFIS (Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services, Inc.) study showed as many as 68 percent of emergency vehicle accidents occur with lights and sirens operating.

Controlled intersections
Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires a complete stop by the emergency vehicle driver if all visible traffic in all lanes can not be accounted for. At uncontrolled intersections, as well, many of these steps apply:

• 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 your foot, continue to scan in all directions.
• Change the siren cadence not less than 200 feet from an intersection.
• Scan the intersections for possible passing options and avoid using the opposing lane, if at all possible.
• If all visible traffic in all lanes can not 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 should be required to complete an incident report providing an explanation of the circumstances that permitted them to do so.
• Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have your partner communicate all is clear; then reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.

Railroad intersections
Any time an emergency vehicle driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing, he/she should bring the apparatus to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing. Prior to proceeding, the emergency vehicle driver should do the following:

• 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.

Be prepared
And - emergency vehicle drivers please take note - there is one more very important point we want to stress: You should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to your emergency vehicle, you can not force the other driver to do so. Therefore you should not assume you have the right of way until the other vehicle yields to you!