Alive on Arrival - Tips for Safe Emergency Vehicle Operations » As an Emergency Vehicle Operator

• Ensure you are qualified and fully capable of operating the emergency vehicle you are driving.

• Drive with due care. Operate an emergency vehicle as you would if all those in your vehicle and on the road around you were your family.

• Slower means safer. A good safety guideline is not to exceed the posted speed limit. Drive even slower when road conditions or visibility is poor.

• Always stop at intersections with a negative right of way. Proceed through these railroad crossings and intersections only after coming to a complete stop and are sure that other vehicles have stopped and given you the right of way.

• At an unguarded railroad crossing, or when your view is obscured at a railroad crossing the National Transportation Safety Board recommends lowering the emergency vehicle's window, idling the engine, and turning off all radios, fans, and wipers to listen for oncoming trains.

• Never assume that another vehicle is aware of the presence of yours. Today's vehicles with noise insulation, powerful radios, and air conditioning lessen the effectiveness of horns and sirens. The same could be said for dark tinted windows with emergency lights. Additionally, some emergency lights may be difficult to see in daylight.

• Park safely. Park your emergency vehicle away from hazardous areas (such as: near downed electrical lines, falling debris, and structures, flames, toxic gases, and smoke. If you park on a roadway, ensure that it can be seen by oncoming traffic. This can be done by the vehicle's emergency warning lights and by safely placing warning signals such as flares and portable warning lights or safely locate another emergency vehicle where oncoming traffic can be alerted.

• Always use parking brake and appropriately chock the wheels of parked emergency vehicles.

• Don't move your emergency vehicle until you and all passengers are safely seated and wearing seatbelts. If your emergency vehicle does not have seatbelts for every occupant it would enhance the safety of the vehicle to have them installed.

• Make sure your emergency vehicle is completely stopped before anyone exits.

• Always use a competent spotter when backing your emergency vehicle.

• Never drive an emergency (or any other) vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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