Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines

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.