Emergency Vehicle Operation and Safety

Emergency Vehicle Operation

• Emergency vehicles may exceed speed limits, proceed through stop signs/signals, and violate other traffic laws when responding to emergencies, if it's safe and reasonable.
• Emergency vehicles have right-of-way over other vehicles while their sirens are operating.
• Red flashing lights alone do not exempt drivers from traffic laws.
• Emergency medical operators may disregard some traffic laws under specific circumstances (details on these circumstances are not provided, but failure to meet these could result in penalties).
• Operators should prioritize safety of others.
• Emergency vehicles can park illegally while lights are flashing, if safe and reasonable.
• Headlights should be used with emergency overhead lights.
• Sirens are mandatory during emergencies.
• Relying on the lights and siren is not enough; drivers must maintain situational awareness and proceed cautiously.

Defensive Driving for Emergency Vehicles

• Watch for potential collisions: reversing, poor positioning, turning, lane changes, awareness of vehicle size (blind spots).
• Intersection safety: slow down, stop if needed, make eye contact.
• Increased care at pedestrian crossings: pedestrians may not anticipate approaching emergency vehicles.
• Stay left on four-lane highways with lights and sirens activated.
• Parking procedures: park to protect injured, keep lights and headlights on.

Taxi Operation

• Safety is paramount in taxi driving.
• Drivers must be attentive to other road users and passengers, and be self-assessing regarding their fitness for driving, considering medical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
• Drivers must ensure nothing in the vehicle or presence of passengers interferes with driving.
• Drivers can refuse passengers for various reasons: limits on passenger count, offensive or dangerous passengers.
• Reliable service involves safe and comfortable transport, with the shortest route. Drivers should speak clearly and use a positive tone of voice in all interactions.
• Drivers should show empathy, understanding, and patience to all passengers, recognizing that some may have different needs or require extra support.
• Drivers should avoid escalating situations with difficult/agitated passengers. Strategies include practicing de-escalation techniques, taking deep breaths, understanding passenger perspectives, or, if necessary, seeking help from dispatch.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Commercial drivers have zero tolerance for alcohol and face immediate roadside sanctions for any detected alcohol or drug use. A first-time offense can result in a one-year driving ban.
• Drivers should conduct a self-assessment of fitness to drive prior to every trip.

Taxi Permits and Reserved Lanes

• Municipalities have specific requirements for taxi permits.
• Reserved lanes are for specific vehicle types (bus, taxi, bicycle).
• Reserved lane signs indicate usage restrictions and hours.
• Reserved lanes are to travel in the same direction as traffic.

Class 4 License and "For Hire" Definition

• A Class 4 license is needed for operating a vehicle for hire.
• "For hire" conditions are defined in the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation.
• Vehicle use is considered "not for hire" in specific circumstances like occasional, incidental private passenger transport for limited compensation or reimbursements.

Passenger management

• Assess fitness to drive before each trip, considering medical, emotional, and psychological factors.

• Tailor communication to passengers (friendly, humorous, conversational).

• Maintain a pleasant and professional demeanor.

• Speak clearly and audibly.

• Show empathy and understanding.

• Resolve issues without focusing on emotions.

• Acknowledge passenger mistakes and road user errors.

• Utilize phrases to de-escalate situations ("I understand your concern").

• Driving under the influence compromises driver ability, may worsen passenger interactions (mood swings, heightened sensitivity/irritation).

• Commercial drivers face immediate sanctions (zero tolerance).

• Impaired driving can result in one-year driving disqualification (first offense).

• Criminal Code violations (impaired driving) lead to possible fines, imprisonment, and driving bans.

Road Rage

• Prioritize safety of yourself and passengers when encountering aggressive drivers.
• Lock doors.
• Avoid retaliatory actions.
• Do not transfer aggression to passengers.
• Adjust speed safely to avoid the aggressive driver.
• Inform employer if necessary (radio contact with employer).
• Avoid driving while agitated and be patient with other drivers, allowing for delays where reasonable.
• Avoid substance use that can lead to unstable moods.

Difficult Passengers

• De-escalate issues through effective communication (positive/neutral language).
• Correct or confirm assumptions to minimize misunderstandings.
• Use a normal tone and act professionally.
• Acknowledge passenger viewpoints politely.
• Address concerns before starting the trip.
• If passengers are difficult despite efforts, follow employer policies (refusal procedures).
• Avoid aggravating phrases.
• Do not use yelling or insults.
• Maintain dignity for yourself and passenger.

Passenger safety

• Transport passengers safely to their destination using proper pre-driving, driving, and post-driving procedures.
• Observe all traffic laws and be responsible for driving decisions.
• Monitor mirrors and surroundings frequently, avoid distractions, and advise passengers on potential distractions.
• Ensure passenger safety (seatbelts, secure seating) especially for children under 16 (car seats).
• Ensure animals don't impede driving and provide safe locations for service animals.
• Secure wheelchairs/mobility aids.
• Ensure comfortable temperature and noise level.
• Let passengers know they can safely exit.
• Assist passengers as needed: opening doors, removing seatbelts, and disembarking.
• Scan for items or pedestrians around vehicle before opening or closing doors.
• Proactive driving. Circle check, seatbelt checks, designated parking prior to loading, Secure seating before closing doors. GPS information, communication with passengers for trip start.

Transporting Vulnerable People

• Be aware of special needs (cognitive, developmental, sensory, physical).
• Understand and support passenger needs based on disabilities, including possible balance issues (frail seniors, reduced mobility).
• Respect personal space, communicate with passengers individually, and avoid assumptions.
• Discuss animal allergies, concerns, or reservations with employer/following employer policies for service animals.
• Provide adequate space for service animals.
• Secure wheelchair/mobility aids.
• Observe comfort levels of passengers in new environments.
• Communicate the process clearly with drivers and riders.
• Communicate directly with person with disability before attending.

Communicating with Passengers

• Discover each person’s preferred communication method.
• Communicate directly with person with disabilities.
• Review transportation processes with individuals for clear communication.
• Communicate with individuals using wheelchairs/mobility devices at eye level..
• Offer assistance to people who can walk when needed, but only when accepted.
• Identify self when assisting visually impaired individuals (“You can take my arm”).
• Gently gesture or touch lightly to assist hearing impaired individuals.
• Inform individuals before moving them in mobility devices.

General Driving Rules

• Drive smoothly (avoid sudden stops/starts/swerves).
• Maintain suitable interior temperature and noise level.
• Monitor your speed and the cars in front of you/emergency vehicles approaching.
• Avoid driving too fast or too slow; excessive speed/below speed limits pose risks.
• Ensure that passengers are properly secured.

Transporting Children

• Ensure all children under 16 are properly restrained (car seats).

Transporting Passengers with Language Barriers

• Employ simple language and speak slowly and clearly.

• Use technology when possible.

• Recognize passenger anxieties and be patient/understanding.

• Unsafe driving and exceeding speed limits risk accidents and compromise driver's ability to react/detect hazards, safely negotiating curves, and maneuvering.