Emergency Maneuver Techniques in Driver Training

Emergency Maneuver Techniques

• Threshold braking: applying maximum pressure short of lock-up, releasing gradually to avoid lock-up while maintaining maximum pressure throughout.
• 9 and 3 Steering: using light finger pressure, heavier pressure with thumb; excellent for quick steering needs, body balance, and quick access to dashboard control items.
• Shuffle Steering: avoiding crossing hands by sliding the wheel in small amounts; best for gradual turns.

Line of Travel for a True Apex Turn

• The true apex of a turn is the geometric high point on the inside of a turn.
• The correct Line of Travel through a true apex turn: outside-inside-outside.
• For a left turn: move out to the right side of the roadway, brake in a straight line, coast to the inside at the apex, then accelerate to the outside/right edge.
• For a right turn: move to the left side of the roadway, brake in a straight line, coast to the inside at the apex, then accelerate to the outside/left edge.
• The vehicle should cross within two feet of the apex at a 45-degree angle.

Route Selection and Warning Devices

• Factors affecting route selection: traffic density, pedestrian traffic, road conditions, and line-of-sight conditions.
• The goal of route selection is to reach the destination as quickly and safely as possible.
• Emergency warning devices: headlights, emergency flasher lights, and sirens.
• During daylight, use headlights in conjunction with emergency overhead lights.
• During hours of darkness, use high beam lamps.
• Sirens may be required by statute, regardless of the time of day.
• Emergency lights and sirens are not substitutes for caution and mastered driving skills.

Safety Techniques Relating to Pursuit Driving

• Hands should be at the 9 and 3 position on the steering wheel.
• Vary the pitch of the siren from time to time.
• Seatbelts should be tightened up slightly.
• Talk on the radio as little as possible and only on straight-aways and in uncongested areas.
• Flash lights when approaching another vehicle from the rear.
• Use high beams as much as possible.
• Don't crawl into the trunk of the vehicle you are chasing.
• Don't pursue into a dust trail or cloud.
• Know the area and don't depend on your siren to move other vehicles out of the way.
• KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS AND YOUR VEHICLE'S LIMITATIONS AND DON'T EXCEED THEM.
• Keep wheels well away from pavement edges.
• If you must go through red lights and stop signs, slow enough to ensure that no motorist or pedestrian will be endangered.

When to Abandon a Pursuit

• Abandon a pursuit if you feel you're driving over your or your vehicle's limitations.
• Abandon a pursuit if the vehicle has a malfunction.
• Other good reasons to abandon a pursuit include:
  • If the pursuit is no longer justified due to changing circumstances.
  • If the officer's safety or the safety of others is at risk.