Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What should drivers do when approaching a controlled intersection with a red light or stop sign?

Ignore other road users and focus solely ahead.

Proceed without stopping if no vehicles are present.

Only check for vehicles behind them before moving.

Account for all lanes of traffic before proceeding. (correct)

Which of the following is a responsibility of the officer in the front passenger seat of an emergency vehicle?

Operate the vehicle at high speeds during emergencies.

Monitor traffic signals and direct the driver accordingly.

Ensure the driver follows safety policies and procedures. (correct)

Take over driving when the driver makes a mistake.

Under what circumstances should drivers reduce speed and exercise caution?

When they are in a rush to their destination.

Only when they see other emergency vehicles.

When driving on highways.

In construction zones and when a flagger is present. (correct)

What must emergency vehicle drivers do regarding traffic control signals during non-emergency travel?

Obey all traffic control signals. Signup and view all the answers

How should drivers react when encountering a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing. Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do when approaching a railroad crossing with lowered gates?

Confirm with railroad personnel before crossing Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may a department vehicle use Jake brakes?

On dry roads without slippery conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of the officer while backing up a vehicle?

To visually confirm surroundings and assist the driver Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to use a cell phone while driving departmental vehicles?

When the driver is a staff officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using wheel chocks in department vehicles?

To prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked Signup and view all the answers

Which safety precaution is required while backing department vehicles?

Performing a 360-degree walk around if no spotter is available Signup and view all the answers

What is expected from drivers in terms of speed regulations for emergency vehicles?

They may adjust speed based on traffic and road conditions Signup and view all the answers

What action should a driver take if they lose sight of their spotter while reversing?

Stop immediately and wait for further instructions Signup and view all the answers

What must a driver do at a red traffic light while responding to an emergency?

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of an officer supervising an emergency vehicle driver?

To assume responsibility for the driver's actions Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate for drivers of emergency vehicles to use sirens and warning lights?

In both emergency and non-emergency driving situations Signup and view all the answers

What is a safe driving practice for emergency vehicle operators?

To ensure maximum safety by being prepared for civilian driver reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for driving emergency vehicles?

Possessing a commercial driver’s license Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do before moving an emergency vehicle?

Ensure that all personnel are seated and secured with seat belts Signup and view all the answers

How should emergency vehicle drivers approach blind intersections without traffic control?

Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority for an emergency vehicle driver?

Ensuring the safety of passengers and the public Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Driving Department Vehicles

Establishes guidelines for vehicle operation and safety during both emergency and non-emergency situations.

General Driving Requirements

Only department members or authorized maintenance personnel can operate department vehicles.
Drivers must meet the State of Illinois driver’s license requirements, as well as requirements from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshall and the New Lenox Fire District’s Driver’s Training Policy.
All department apparatus and vehicles must use headlights in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

Driver Responsibilities

The driver's primary responsibility is the safe arrival of the emergency vehicle at the emergency scene.
The driver shall not move an emergency vehicle until all personnel are seated and secured with seat belts and in approved riding positions.
During emergency response, drivers shall bring the emergency vehicle to a complete stop, prior to proceeding, for any of the following:
- Red traffic lights
- Stop signs
- Blind intersections without traffic control
- Prior to entering a controlled intersection (traffic light or stop sign) when traveling in oncoming lanes or on a painted or raised median
- When other intersection or road hazards are present
- When encountering a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and/or with deployed stop signal arm
- When encountering activated railroad crossings
- When directed by the company officer or a law enforcement officer
- After stopping at a red light or stop sign, account for all lanes of traffic before proceeding
- During non-emergency travel, obey all traffic control signals
- Be aware of the vehicle's rate of closure on other vehicles and pedestrians
- Reduce speed and use caution in construction zones. Stop if necessary when a flagger or signal is present.

Railroad Crossings

Use caution and ensure safe passage prior to crossing any railroad tracks.
Do not drive around lowered crossing gates or proceed through an activated crossing.
Exceptions include:
- Confirmation from railroad personnel that the gates or signals are malfunctioning.
- Visual confirmation by the company officer of no approaching trains in either direction after a possible malfunction.

Vehicle Retarders and Jake Brakes

Vehicles with engine, transmission or driveline retarders or Jake brakes shall operate with the retarder in the “on” or “high” position.
In wet, snowy, or icy conditions, the retarder or brake is to be placed in the “off” position.

Cell Phone Use

Prohibited while driving, except for Staff Officers.

Smoking

Prohibited inside any department apparatus or vehicle.

Vehicle Backing

All District apparatus requires the use of a spotter while backing up.
Vehicles should only be backed if they do not have the option of driving forward.
When a spotter is not available, the driver must conduct a complete 360° walk around to identify potential hazards before backing up.
When available, two spotters should be utilized on both the driver's and officer's side of the vehicle.
If the driver loses sight of the spotter, they must stop immediately.
Staff cars do not require the use of a spotter.

Wheel Chocks

Required for all vehicles without a parking gear when not in the station.
Place the wheel chock on the downhill side of the tire.

Officer’s Responsibility

The officer or acting officer riding in the front passenger seat acts as a co-driver.
They provide an additional set of eyes and ears for the driver and are responsible for ensuring the driver operates the vehicle safely in accordance with district policies.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential guidelines for operating department vehicles, including safety protocols during emergencies. It outlines the general driving requirements, driver responsibilities, and procedures to ensure secure transport during operational duties. Test your knowledge on the regulations that keep emergency responders safe while on the road.