IGHFD Defensive Driving

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IGHFDDefensive Driving
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By the end of this class, you will be able to

• Understand the impact of driving accidents upon
  the fire service as a whole
• Understand the physical laws that govern how a
  vehicle performs under stress
• Understand speed and space management

3

• One definition of Defensive Driving is to save
  lives, time, and money
• a. under favorable circumstances
• b. unless conditions dictate otherwise
• c. in spite of the conditions around you and the
  actions of others
• d. if other drivers are acting responsibly

4

• One definition of Defensive Driving is to save
  lives, time, and money
• a. under favorable circumstances
• b. unless conditions dictate otherwise
• c. in spite of the conditions around you and the
  actions of others
• d. if other drivers are acting responsibly

5

• A preventable collision is best defined as a
  collision in which the driver failed to
  __________________ to prevent the collision.
• a. everything reasonable
• b. brake in time
• c. yield to other traffic
• d. use a buffer zone

6

• A preventable collision is best defined as a
  collision in which the driver failed to
  __________________ to prevent the collision.
• a. everything reasonable
• b. brake in time
• c. yield to other traffic
• d. use a buffer zone

7

• Oversteer means
• a. your vehicle has gone into a rear-wheel skid
  or slide
• b. you have too much traction on the rear tires
• c. you turned your steering wheel too much
• d. your steering wheel has become tight and
  difficult to turn

8

• Oversteer means
• a. your vehicle has gone into a rear-wheel skid
  or slide
• b. you have too much traction on the rear tires
• c. you turned your steering wheel too much
• d. your steering wheel has become tight and
  difficult to turn

9

• Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, will
• a. Eliminate annoying noises and vibrations
  during maximum braking.
• b. Kick in if you forget to apply brakes while
  avoiding an accident
• c. Cause your insurance premium to increase
• d. Keep your wheels from locking up even with
  maximum brake pressure

10

• Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, will
• a. Eliminate annoying noises and vibrations
  during maximum braking.
• b. Kick in if you forget to apply brakes while
  avoiding an accident
• c. Cause your insurance premium to increase
• d. Keep your wheels from locking up even with
  maximum brake pressure

11

• The Tire contact patch is about the size of
  your hand on a car, and about the size of a
  dinner plate on fire apparatus, and indicates
• a. the specific area of the bottom of the tire
  that is in direct contact with the road
• b. the amount of wear on your tire tread
• c. the manufacturer of the tire
• d. None of the above

12

• The Tire contact patch is about the size of
  your hand on a car, and about the size of a
  dinner plate on fire apparatus, and indicates
• a. the specific area of the bottom of the tire
  that is in direct contact with the road
• b. the amount of wear on your tire tread
• c. the manufacturer of the tire
• d. None of the above

13

• The weight distribution of your vehicle shifts to
  the rear tires during
• a. braking
• b. acceleration
• c. hard left or right steering
• d. 4-wheel-drive

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• The weight distribution of your vehicle shifts to
  the rear tires during
• a. braking
• b. acceleration
• c. hard left or right steering
• d. 4-wheel-drive

15

• When a vehicle turns, the weight of the contents
  of the vehicle shifts
• a. to the rear tires
• b. to the front tires
• c. to the opposite direction of the turn
• d. to the same direction of the turn

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• When a vehicle turns, the weight of the contents
  of the vehicle shifts
• a. to the rear tires
• b. to the front tires
• c. to the opposite direction of the turn
• d. to the same direction of the turn

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• The weight of the vehicle shifts to the front,
  putting more traction on the front tires and less
  on the rear tires during
• a. braking
• b. acceleration
• c. hard turns
• d. all of the above

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• The weight of the vehicle shifts to the front,
  putting more traction on the front tires and less
  on the rear tires during
• a. braking
• b. acceleration
• c. hard turns
• d. all of the above

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• Braking distance on glare ice is roughly
• a. The same as on dry surface with bald tires
• b. 3 times the distance of dry surface with good
  tires
• c. 5 times the distance of dry surface with good
  tires
• d. 10 times the distance of wet surface with
  bald tires

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• Braking distance on glare ice is roughly
• a. The same as on dry surface with bald tires
• b. 3 times the distance of dry surface with good
  tires
• c. 5 times the distance of dry surface with good
  tires
• d. 10 times the distance of wet surface with
  bald tires

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• Because of their weight and size, fire apparatus
  rarely hydroplane.a. Trueb. False

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• Because of their weight and size, fire apparatus
  rarely hydroplane.a. Trueb. False

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• The posted speed limit on exit ramps is safe for
  fire apparatus.
• a. True.
• b. False

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• The posted speed limit on exit ramps is safe for
  fire apparatus.
• a. True.
• b. False

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• The higher the center of gravity for a vehicle,
  the more likely it is to overturn.
• a. True.
• b. False.

26

• The higher the center of gravity for a vehicle,
  the more likely it is to overturn.
• a. True.
• b. False.

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• Driving tools for collision avoidance includea.
  brakesb. acceleratorc. steering wheeld.
  all of the abovee. none of the above

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• Driving tools for collision avoidance includea.
  brakesb. acceleratorc. steering wheeld.
  all of the abovee. none of the above

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• Maximum braking WITH maximum turning is very
  likely to cause a vehicle to go out of control.
• a. True
• b. False

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• Maximum braking WITH maximum turning is very
  likely to cause a vehicle to go out of control.
• a. True
• b. False

31

• Statistically speaking, how much more likely is
  fire apparatus likely to have an accident when
  responding with lights and sirens than while a
  routine response?
• a. 2x as likely
• b. 5x as likely
• c. 10x as likely
• d. The accident rate is the same.

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• Statistically speaking, how much more likely is
  fire apparatus likely to have an accident when
  responding with lights and sirens than while a
  routine response?
• a. 2x as likely
• b. 5x as likely
• c. 10x as likely
• d. The accident rate is the same.

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• Statistically speaking, how often can the IGHFD
  expect to have a vehicle accident involving Fire
  Department apparatus or personal vehicles while
  responding to the station?
• a. One per 10 years
• b. One per 5 years
• c. One per 3 years
• d. One per year

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• Statistically speaking, how often can the IGHFD
  expect to have a vehicle accident involving Fire
  Department apparatus or personal vehicles while
  responding to the station?
• a. One per 10 years
• b. One per 5 years
• c. One per 3 years
• d. One per year

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Emergency Apparatus Accidents (USA)

• Emergency Vehicle
  Collisions FF Injuries
• 1994 13,755
  1,035
• 1995 14,670
  950
• 1996 14,200
  910
• 1997 14,950
  1,350
• 1998 14,650
  1,050
• 1999 15,450
  875
• 2000 15,300
  990

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Fire Service-related Personal Vehicle Accidents
(USA)

• Personal Vehicle
  Collisions FF Injuries
• 1994 1,610
  285
• 1995 1,690
  190
• 1996 1,400
  240
• 1997 1,300
  180
• 1998 1,350
  315
• 1999 1,080
  90
• 2000 1,160
  170

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Less than 0.1 of all FD responses result in
firefighter injury.

• By those statistics, IGHFD can expect an average
  of 1 injury per year related to driving to / from
  fire runs or to / from the station.

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2000 - Minnesota Truck crashes

• 90 people killed
• only 7 were in trucks
• (pickup trucks and vans are not counted as
  trucks)
• Fire Apparatus crashes 3

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2000 - Minnesota Truck crashes by road surface
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2000 - Minnesota Truck crashes by road surface

• Condition Crashes Fatalities
  Injuries
• Dry 3,371
  62 1,268
• Wet 747
  14 253
• Snow / Slush 394 3
  133
• Ice or Packed Snow 714 10
  226

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2000 - Minnesota Truck crashes - Top 10
Contributing factors

• 24 Driver inattention / distraction
• 9 Illegal / unsafe Speed
• 8 Improper or unsafe lane use
• 7 Failure to Yield Right of Way
• 7 Following too closely

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2000 - Minnesota Truck crashes - Top 10
Contributing factors

• 7 Weather
• 5 Improper turn
• 4 Unsafe backing
• 3 Vision Obscured
• 2 Disregard for Traffic Control Device

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Forces acting upon vehicles

• Friction
• Momentum
• Inertia
• Centrifugal Force

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Friction

• The force that keeps the rubber on the road
• We cannot directly control friction
• When the other controllable forces overcome
  friction, the result is loss of control

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Momentum

• An object in motion will tend to remain moving in
  the same direction and speed.
• That direction and speed may be changed by other
  forces affecting that object.
• Increased momentum (by itself) does NOT decrease
  Friction.

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Inertia

• An object at rest will tend to remain at rest.
• Inertia may be changed by other forces affecting
  the object.
• Inertia (by itself) does NOT increase Friction.

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Centrifugal Force

• Force exterted on an object during a change in
  momentum or inertia
• Increase in Centrifugal Force will overcome the
  force of friction.

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Centrifugal Force
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Centrifugal Force

• Also affects individual parts of the vehicle,
  with the same reduction in the effectiveness of
  friction.

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Physics

• You cant change the laws.
• Friction is constant.
• Traction Friction - effects of momentum,
  inertia, and centrifugal force.

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Control Zone

• Cornering Example
• Start of turn
• Deceleration

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Control Zone

• Cornering Example
• Entry point of turn

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Control Zone

• Cornering Example
• AFTER Apex of turn,
• you can begin steady acceleration

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Control Zone

• Cornering Example
• Exit of turn
• Continue steady acceleration

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Control Zone

• Cornering Example
• End of turn
• continue steady acceleration

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Break
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• In subdued light or darkness, people who suffer
  from night blindness may have difficulty
• a. in distinguishing movement or shape of
  objectsb. judging distancesc. determining
  speed of moving objectsd. all of the above

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• In subdued light or darkness, people who suffer
  from night blindness may have difficulty
• a. in distinguishing movement or shape of
  objectsb. judging distancesc. determining
  speed of moving objectsd. all of the above

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• The concept No vehicle may be driven at a
  speed that is faster than is safe for present and
  actual conditions, or that would endanger the
  safety of any person or property regardless of
  the posted speed limit is known as
• a. Universal Traffic Guidelinesb. Golden
  Rulec. Basic Speed Lawd. International
  Vehicle Code

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• The concept No vehicle may be driven at a
  speed that is faster than is safe for present and
  actual conditions, or that would endanger the
  safety of any person or property regardless of
  the posted speed limit is known as
• a. Universal Traffic Guidelinesb. Golden
  Rulec. Basic Speed Lawd. International
  Vehicle Code

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• A situation where you are driving so fast that
  you are unable to stop within the range of your
  headlight beams is commonly known as
• a. night blindnessb. over-driving your
  headlightsc. speedingd. low beam oversight

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• A situation where you are driving so fast that
  you are unable to stop within the range of your
  headlight beams is commonly known as
• a. night blindnessb. over-driving your
  headlightsc. speedingd. low beam oversight

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• Target Fixation refers to
• a. A natural tendency to stare at the object
  with which you are afraid you may collideb. A
  conscious effort to steer towards a spot on the
  roadwayc. Fixing a following distance as a
  targetd. A searching techniques which
  identifies waypoints on the roadway

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• Target Fixation refers to
• a. A natural tendency to stare at the object
  with which you are afraid you may collideb. A
  conscious effort to steer towards a spot on the
  roadwayc. Fixing a following distance as a
  targetd. A searching techniques which
  identifies waypoints on the roadway

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• A drivers average reaction time is approximately
  
• a. 1 secondb. 2 secondsc. ¼ secondd. ¾
  second

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• A drivers average reaction time is approximately
  
• a. 1 secondb. 2 secondsc. ¼ secondd. ¾
  second

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• Stopping distance is determined by adding
  reaction time and
• a. braking distanceb. speed limit divided
  by braking distancec. vehicle weightd. none
  of the above

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• Stopping distance is determined by adding
  reaction time and
• a. braking distanceb. speed limit divided
  by braking distancec. vehicle weightd. none
  of the above

69

• In Minnesota, it is against the law to pass a
  school bus
• a. when school is in sessionb. when you are
  within ½ mile of a schoolc. when the buss
  amber lights are flashingd. when the buss red
  lights are flashing and/or stop sign extended

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• In Minnesota, it is against the law to pass a
  school bus
• a. when school is in sessionb. when you are
  within ½ mile of a schoolc. when the buss
  amber lights are flashingd. when the buss red
  lights are flashing and/or stop sign extended

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• When making a proper right turn you should
• a. get into the proper lane for the turnb.
  signal at least 100 feet before the
  intersectionc. yield right-of-way to vehicles
  and pedestrians in the intersectiond. all of
  the above

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• When making a proper right turn you should
• a. get into the proper lane for the turnb.
  signal at least 100 feet before the
  intersectionc. yield right-of-way to vehicles
  and pedestrians in the intersectiond. all of
  the above

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• Blind spots are
• a. areas you cant see due to sunlight or
  glare from a wet roadwayb. areas not
  illuminated by your headlights while driving at
  nightc. areas behind and beside your vehicle
  that you cannot see without aid of a mirrord.
  areas behind and beside your vehicle that you
  cannot see even with the use of a mirror

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• Blind spots are
• a. areas you cant see due to sunlight or
  glare from a wet roadwayb. areas not
  illuminated by your headlights while driving at
  nightc. areas behind and beside your vehicle
  that you cannot see without aid of a mirrord.
  areas behind and beside your vehicle that you
  cannot see even with the use of a mirror

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• On a given weekend night in the US, the number of
  legally intoxicated drivers on the road is about
• a. One out of tenb. One out of fifteenc.
  One out of twentyd. One out of fifty

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• On a given weekend night in the US, the number of
  legally intoxicated drivers on the road is about
• a. One out of tenb. One out of fifteenc.
  One out of twentyd. One out of fifty

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• The best way to avoid having to deal with a
  potential collision is to
• a. be looking and thinking ahead 10-12
  seconds all the timeb. stay off the most
  congested roadsc. always travel well below the
  posted speed limitd. appoint a passenger to be
  the designated lookout to spot potential trouble

78

• The best way to avoid having to deal with a
  potential collision is to
• a. be looking and thinking ahead 10-12
  seconds all the timeb. stay off the most
  congested roadsc. always travel well below the
  posted speed limitd. appoint a passenger to be
  the designated lookout to spot potential trouble

79

• Among the most common maneuvers that cause a
  driver to cross the center line of the road are
• a. driving around a curve too fast for road
  conditionsb. bad passing judgementc. driver
  distractiond. All of the above

80

• Among the most common maneuvers that cause a
  driver to cross the center line of the road are
• a. driving around a curve too fast for road
  conditionsb. bad passing judgementc. driver
  distractiond. All of the above

81

• If you find yourself on a collision course with
  another vehicle or object, the best thing to do
  is
• a. attempt to steer around the vehicle or
  objectb. brake hard and steer the vehicle to
  the rightc. brake hard and attempt to hit the
  object with a glancing blow to minimize damaged.
  brake hard and make a maximum turn with the
  steering wheel to spin your vehicle and strike
  the object in reverse, minimizing damage and
  maximizing passenger safety

82

• If you find yourself on a collision course with
  another vehicle or object, the best thing to do
  is
• a. attempt to steer around the vehicle or
  objectb. brake hard and steer the vehicle to
  the rightc. brake hard and attempt to hit the
  object with a glancing blow to minimize damaged.
  brake hard and make a maximum turn with the
  steering wheel to spin your vehicle and strike
  the object in reverse, minimizing damage and
  maximizing passenger safety

83

• How far behind another fire apparatus should you
  follow?
• a. At least 100 feetb. At least 250 feetc.
  At least 500 feetd. Approximately 2 seconds

84

• How far behind another fire apparatus should you
  follow?
• a. At least 100 feetb. At least 250 feetc.
  At least 500 feet (1/10th of a mile!)
• d. Approximately 2 seconds

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• When driving a fire apparatus, how many seconds
  should you scan down the road?
• a. 1 to 1 ½ blocks in city or residential
  drivingb. 10-12 seconds in highway drivingc.
  Both A and Bd. Neither A nor B

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• When driving a fire apparatus, how many seconds
  should you scan down the road?
• a. 1 to 1 ½ blocks in city or residential
  drivingb. 10-12 seconds in highway drivingc.
  Both A and Bd. Neither A nor B

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• The laws of the State of Minnesota grant the
  right-of-way to emergency apparatus at stop signs
  and red lights.
• a. Trueb. False

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Question 21

• The laws of the State of Minnesota grant the
  right-of-way to emergency apparatus at stop signs
  and red lights.
• a. Trueb. False

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• The laws of the State of Minnesota will protect
  the driver of an emergency vehicle from the
  consequences of a reckless disregard of the
  safety of others during an emergency response.
• a. Trueb. False

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• The laws of the State of Minnesota will protect
  the driver of an emergency vehicle from the
  consequences of a reckless disregard of the
  safety of others during an emergency response.
• a. Trueb. False

91

• Speed is more important than a safe arrival.
• a. Trueb. False

92

• Speed is more important than a safe arrival.
• a. Trueb. False

93

• The laws of the State of Minnesota require that
  fire apparatus must use lights and sirens
  together.
• a. Trueb. False

94

• The laws of the State of Minnesota require that
  fire apparatus must use lights and sirens
  together.
• a. Trueb. False

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How do we get into trouble on the road?
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How do we get into trouble on the road?

• Newer drivers are inexperienced
• Experienced drivers get relaxed

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Total Stopping Distance

• How do you calculate your total stopping distance?

98
Total Stopping Distance

• Perception Distance (time from danger to
  realization of danger)
• Reaction Distance (time for the driver to get
  foot on the brake pedal)
• Brake Lag Distance (time for the brakes to
  actuate)
• Braking Distance (time for the brakes to stop the
  apparatus
• Total Stopping Distance

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Total Stopping Distance

• Cover the brake
• 3/4 second at 30 mph 33 feet
• mph x 1.1 average distance saved by covering
  the brake.

100
Heavy 2-axle trucks
Distances measured in feet
101
Total Stopping Distance - Other Factors

• What other factors can combine to add to your
  stopping distance?
• Speed (Momentum)
• Weight (Inertia)
• Water surge (Centrifugal Force)
• Hills (Inertia)
• Road surface type (dirt, gravel)(Friction)
• Wet or slippery surfaces (Friction)
• Overall condition of brakes and tires (Friction)

102
7/10ths of a second

• Who are the ones hurt when apparatus hits regular
  vehicles?
• Simulation of a 55 mph closing speed

103
1/10th of a second

• Impact
• Front bumper and grill collapse

104
2/10ths of a second

• Hood collapses and rises, striking the windshield
• Structural steel of vehicle begins to collapse,
  slowing car
• Occupants still moving
• Force 20 times gravity body weighs 3,200 lbs
• Drivers legs snap at knee joints

105
3/10ths of a second

• Drivers body leaves the seat
• Broken knees press into dashboard
• Chest impacts steering column
• Head impacts windshield

106
4/10ths of a second

• front 2 feet of car are now flat, rear of car
  still moving with closing speed of 35 mph.
• drivers body still moving at closing speed of 55
  mpf
• engine block impacts apparatus

107
5/10ths of a second

• Drivers head penetrates windshield
• Drivers chest slows to 20 mph closing speed
  after impact with steering column
• Drivers heart and lungs still moving 55 mph
  closing speed

108
6/10ths of a second

• Drivers body now at a full stop
• Internal organs still moving at 20-30 mph
• Internal organs impact chest wall and rupture

109
7/10ths of a second

• Drivers body now returning to seat
• Head pulled back through windshield
• Function of internal organs now cease

110
NFPA 1500 1992 - 4-2.7

• Complete stop when
• When directed by law enforcement officer
• Red traffic lights
• Stop signs
• Negative right-of-way intersections
• Blind intersections

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NFPA 1500 1992 - 4-2.7

• Complete stop when
• When driver cannot account for all lanes of
  traffic in any intersection
• when other intersection hazards are present
• when encountering stopped school bus with red
  flashing lights
• Unguarded railroad grade crossing

112
Minnesota Satutes 2001 169.03

• Subd. 5. Course of Duty. No driver of any
  authorized emergency vehicle shall assume any
  special privilege under this chapter except when
  such vehicle is operated in response to to any
  emergency call

113
Minnesota Satutes 2001 169.03

• Subd. 2. Stops. The driver when
  responding to an emergency call, upon approaching
  a red or stop signal or stop sign shall slow down
  as necessary for safety, but may proceed
  cautiously past such signal after sounding
  siren and displaying red lights.

114
Minnesota Satutes 2001 169.17

• This provision does not relieve the driver of
  an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to
  drive with the due regard for the safety of
  persons using the street

115
Minnesota Satutes 2001 169.17

• nor does it protect the driver of an authorized
  emergency vehicle from the consequences of a
  reckless disregard of the safety of others.

116
General Driving Rules

• 1.) Officer handles all emergency lights and
  sirens.
• 2.) Use caution at all intersections be
  prepared to stop at all times. Cover the brake.
• 3.) Do NOT overdrive the vehicle.
• 4.) Always drive with both hands on the wheel (9
  3 position).

117
General Driving Rules

• 5.) Some turn signals do not cancel
  automatically. Make sure to turn them off.
• 6.) Always have spotters when backing up.
• 7.) Always back up slowly.
• 8.) When engineer is selected, they MUST look at
  the map, select route, raise door, place gear on
  truck, start vehicle, check for crew safety,
  proceed with caution.

118
General Driving Rules

• 9.) If you have had ANY alcoholic beverages,
  STAY HOME!
• 10.) No tobacco use on any vehicle at any time.
• 11.) All persons shall wear seat belts.

119
Conclusion

• Speed is less important than safe arrival.
• Keep apparatus under control at all times.
• Keep a safety zone around the apparatus at all
  times, and avoid other vehicles safety zones.

120
Conclusion

• Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop.
• Continuously plan for the worst possible
  situation.
• Expect some motorists to neither hear nor see
  your lights and sirens

121
Conclusion

• Take NOTHING for granted. Assume that every
  other driver will do the WRONG thing.
• Keep yourself, your crew, and the rest of the
  public alive.

122
Conclusion

• Questions?
• Comments?
• Drive Safe!!!!