Driver Characteristics for Emergency Vehicles

Being diligent, cautious, and emotionally fit are important characteristics for emergency vehicle drivers
Having a positive attitude and being aware of tolerance towards other drivers is crucial
Physical fitness is essential, and drivers should avoid driving if they're taking medications that cause drowsiness or have a slow reaction time
Drivers should not drive or provide care after consuming alcohol or being under the influence, and should avoid driving when significantly fatigued

Plan your route and navigation, and become familiar with roads and traffic patterns in the area
Avoid heavy traffic areas, construction zones, and congested areas
Be aware of special facilities and locations in the area, such as medical facilities, airports, and stadiums
Recognize and manage fatigue, and take regular breaks to rest and recover

Always drive with caution and perform a risk-benefit analysis when using lights and sirens
Use lights and sirens judiciously, and only for emergency situations
Anticipate other drivers' actions and maintain a safe travel distance
Avoid aggressive driving and don't accelerate through intersections
Make eye contact with fellow drivers and use turn signals

Maintain a cushion of safety by keeping a safe following distance and scanning rearview and side mirrors
Be aware of blind spots in the vehicle and use convex mirrors to assist in visualizing them
Avoid backing up whenever possible, and use a spotter when necessary
Use audible warning devices and backup alarms, and don't rely solely on backup cameras

Park efficiently and safely, considering terrain, traffic flow, and emergency vehicle access
Avoid blocking movement of other emergency vehicles and keep warning lights activated
Park uphill and upwind in cases of smoke or hazardous materials, and stay away from hazards like fires and downed wires
Turn headlights off to avoid blinding oncoming traffic at night

Control a vehicle by changing direction or speed, requiring continuous rolling contact between tires and road surface
Evaluate road surface conditions, such as asphalt, gravel, or dirt roads, and adjust speed accordingly
Take corners at a speed that allows for proper road position and avoids skidding or spinning

Brake pressure control comes with experience and practice
Type 1 and 3 vehicles have heavier feeling brakes than type 2 vehicles
Certain heavy vehicles use air brakes with a different feel
Use control braking to control vehicle movement and direction, and avoid braking while cornering
Consider weather and road conditions, weight distribution, and vehicle type when braking

Gradually slow down on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning
Avoid traveling through standing water, and lightly tap the brakes to dry them after driving out of water
Use anti-lock brakes by applying steady light pressure to dry the brakes
Consider decreased visibility during fog, snow, or heavy rain, and slow down
Use headlights during the day and night, and be cautious on icy or slippery surfaces

Diligence, cautiousness, and emotional fitness are crucial for emergency vehicle drivers
A positive attitude and tolerance towards other drivers are essential
Physical fitness is vital, and drivers should avoid driving while taking medications that cause drowsiness or slow reaction time
Drivers must not drive or provide care while under the influence or significantly fatigued, and should avoid driving after consuming alcohol

Plan routes and navigation to become familiar with local roads and traffic patterns
Avoid heavy traffic areas, construction zones, and congested areas
Be aware of special facilities and locations, such as medical facilities, airports, and stadiums
Recognize and manage fatigue, and take regular breaks to rest and recover

Always drive cautiously and perform a risk-benefit analysis when using lights and sirens
Use lights and sirens judiciously, only for emergency situations
Anticipate other drivers' actions and maintain a safe travel distance
Avoid aggressive driving and don't accelerate through intersections
Make eye contact with fellow drivers and use turn signals

Maintain a cushion of safety by keeping a safe following distance and scanning rearview and side mirrors
Be aware of blind spots and use convex mirrors to assist in visualizing them
Avoid backing up whenever possible, and use a spotter when necessary
Use audible warning devices and backup alarms, and don't rely solely on backup cameras

Park efficiently and safely, considering terrain, traffic flow, and emergency vehicle access
Avoid blocking movement of other emergency vehicles and keep warning lights activated
Park uphill and upwind in cases of smoke or hazardous materials, and stay away from hazards like fires and downed wires
Turn headlights off to avoid blinding oncoming traffic at night

Control a vehicle by changing direction or speed, requiring continuous rolling contact between tires and road surface
Evaluate road surface conditions and adjust speed accordingly
Take corners at a speed that allows for proper road position and avoids skidding or spinning

Brake pressure control comes with experience and practice
Different vehicle types have different brake feels, such as Type 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, and certain heavy vehicles use air brakes
Use control braking to control vehicle movement and direction, and avoid braking while cornering
Consider weather and road conditions, weight distribution, and vehicle type when braking

Gradually slow down on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning
Avoid traveling through standing water, and lightly tap the brakes to dry them after driving out of water
Use anti-lock brakes by applying steady light pressure to dry the brakes
Consider decreased visibility during fog, snow, or heavy rain, and slow down
Use headlights during the day and night, and be cautious on icy or slippery surfaces