Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What should a driver do when approaching a controlled intersection at a red light or stop sign?

Assume it is safe to proceed based on the traffic light timer.

Only check for vehicles in the lane closest to them.

Proceed without stopping if no vehicles are visible.

Stop and account for all lanes of traffic before proceeding. (correct)

Which scenario requires a driver to stop and exercise due caution?

When approaching a roundabout with no signage.

While driving past a gas station with no customers.

When driving through residential areas without stop signs.

On encountering a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. (correct)

What is the responsibility of the officer riding in the front passenger seat of an emergency vehicle?

To navigate the route without assisting the driver.

To take control of the vehicle whenever necessary.

To ensure the driver follows emergency response protocols while maintaining safety. (correct)

To ignore traffic signals during emergency responses.

During non-emergency travel, which of the following must a driver do?

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

What should a driver do when encountering activated railroad crossings?

Stop and wait for the warning signals to deactivate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the driver of an emergency vehicle?

To ensure maximum safety for passengers and the public Signup and view all the answers

When driving an emergency vehicle, what must the driver do before moving the vehicle?

Make sure all personnel are seated and secured with seat belts Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do when encountering a red traffic light while responding to an emergency?

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

Who has the ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of an emergency vehicle?

Both the driver and the supervising officer Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should drivers of emergency vehicles stop at blind intersections?

When there is no traffic control in any direction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for operating an emergency vehicle?

Meeting the Fire Chief's personal approval Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if another vehicle fails to yield to an emergency vehicle?

The emergency vehicle should proceed with caution Signup and view all the answers

What is one key guideline for drivers of emergency vehicles regarding civilian vehicle operators?

Civilian operators might not react as expected Signup and view all the answers

What precautions must an officer ensure before the movement of an emergency vehicle?

All personnel are seated and secured with seat belts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the officer required to do regarding the driver's operation of the vehicle?

Ensure the driver operates the vehicle safely according to departmental policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which action must an officer take regarding road hazards during an emergency response?

Issue warnings about road and physical hazards to the driver. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can emergency vehicles exceed posted speed limits?

When responding to emergencies under favorable conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed an emergency vehicle can exceed the posted limit by during an emergency response?

10 mph over the posted speed limit. Signup and view all the answers

How should an emergency vehicle signal its presence to other drivers?

By using warning lights and sounding the siren. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the officer regarding the driver’s unsafe driving behaviors?

To direct the driver to cease unsafe driving practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a requirement when driving an emergency vehicle with regard to other drivers?

Expect other drivers to automatically yield the right-of-way. Signup and view all the answers

What must emergency vehicles do when approaching a controlled intersection with the right-of-way?

Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed for emergency vehicles approaching intersections using oncoming traffic lanes?

The posted speed limit. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when an emergency vehicle approaches a red light at a negative right-of-way intersection?

Come to a complete stop and account for all oncoming traffic. Signup and view all the answers

How should drivers respond when they see an emergency vehicle approaching?

Slow down and pull to the right. Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard practice for passing other responding emergency vehicles?

Pass on the left in all cases. Signup and view all the answers

What must drivers do when approaching an EVP equipped intersection and the traffic light does not turn green?

Wait without proceeding until the light turns green. Signup and view all the answers

What speed should emergency vehicles travel on painted or raised medians when approaching an intersection?

A speed that allows for a complete stop. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation can an emergency vehicle pass on the right?

Only if it would not create a greater safety hazard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action required before crossing any railroad tracks?

Confirming the absence of approaching trains Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a driver ignore lowered crossing gates?

If they have confirmed the gates are malfunctioning Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do when encountering wet, snowy, or icy roads with a vehicle retarder?

Turn the retarder to the off position Signup and view all the answers

Who is allowed to answer cell phones while driving department vehicles?

Only Staff Officers Signup and view all the answers

What is required when backing up department vehicles?

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

When are two spotters needed while backing a vehicle?

When a spotter is available on both sides of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is required for vehicles without parking gear when parked?

Utilize wheel chocks Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited inside department vehicles?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Driving Department Vehicles: Purpose and Guidelines

Safe operation of emergency vehicles depends on driver's skill, officer's guidance, and prioritizing safety of passengers & public.
Drivers should anticipate unpredictable reactions from other drivers and have alternative routes.
Emergency vehicles must maintain control and not force the right-of-way if another vehicle fails to yield.
Drivers are directly responsible for their vehicle's safety, with supervising officers sharing responsibility.

General Driving Requirements & Responsibilities

Only authorized department members and maintenance personnel can operate emergency vehicles.
Drivers must meet state licensing requirements and the New Lenox Fire District's Driver's Training Policy.
Headlights must be used in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Driver's primary responsibility is safe arrival at the emergency scene.
All personnel must be seated and secured with seatbelts before any movement.
Drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding in the following situations:
- Red traffic lights
- Stop signs
- Blind intersections without traffic control
- Entering a controlled intersection when traveling in oncoming lanes or on a median
- Other intersection or road hazards
- Stopped school buses with flashing red lights and/or stop signal arm
- Activated railroad crossings
- When directed by the company officer or a law enforcement officer
After stopping at a red light or stop sign, drivers must account for all lanes of traffic before continuing.
During non-emergency travel, drivers must obey all traffic control signals.
Drivers should be aware of their speed relative to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Drivers need to reduce speed and exercise caution in construction zones, stopping if necessary when a flagger or signal is present.

Officer's Responsibility

The officer in the front passenger seat acts as a co-driver, observing and ensuring safe operation of the vehicle.
The officer is responsible for ensuring all personnel are properly seated and secured before movement.
The officer monitors the driver's actions, ensuring safe and compliant driving according to department policy and state law.
The officer warns the driver of road and physical hazards.
The officer can direct the driver to cease unsafe driving practices, such as speeding or unsafe intersection maneuvers.
The officer is responsible for operating the radio, audio, and visual warning devices during response.
The officer uses maps or MDT to assist the driver in finding the safest and most direct route to the emergency scene.

Warning Lights and Speed Limit

During emergency response, warning lights, headlights, and sirens should be used to warn other drivers.
These devices request right-of-way but do not automatically grant it; drivers must act defensively and anticipate unexpected behavior.
Emergency vehicles can exceed posted speed limits when responding "Emergency" under favorable conditions: light traffic, good roads, visibility, dry pavement, no construction.
The maximum speed limit should not exceed 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
Under unfavorable conditions, the posted speed limit is the absolute maximum.
When traveling in oncoming lanes or on a median approaching an intersection, emergency vehicles must slow down to allow for a complete stop before proceeding.
If traveling in oncoming lanes for extended distances, the maximum speed remains the posted speed limit.

Intersections

Intersections pose the greatest danger to emergency vehicles.
When approaching and crossing controlled intersections with the right-of-way (green light), drivers should not exceed the posted speed limit.
When using oncoming lanes or medians to approach controlled intersections, emergency vehicles must come to a complete stop before proceeding, even with a green light.
Approaching an intersection with a red light or stop sign, the vehicle must come to a complete stop and proceed only when all oncoming traffic has yielded the right-of-way.

Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption Intersections

Drivers should be cautious approaching intersections with emergency vehicle pre-emption (EVP) devices.
The apparatus should receive a green traffic light when approaching an EVP-equipped intersection.
If the light doesn't turn green, another emergency vehicle might have priority, or there could be an issue with the EVP device or the vehicle.

Passing Other Vehicles

During emergency response, drivers should avoid passing other responding emergency vehicles.
The Illinois Vehicle Code requires private vehicles to slow down and pull to the right for approaching emergency vehicles.
New Lenox Fire District standard practice is to pass vehicles on the left, except when it would create a greater safety hazard than passing on the right.
Passing on the right should only be done at a safe speed that allows for a complete stop if necessary.

Railroad Crossings

Drivers must use caution and ensure safety before crossing any railroad tracks.
Vehicles should not drive around lowered gates or cross with activated signals (non-gated) unless:
- Railroad personnel confirmed the gates or signal are malfunctioning.
- There's a clear malfunction, and the company officer has visually confirmed the absence of approaching trains.

Vehicle Retarders and Jake Brakes

Vehicles equipped with engine, transmission, or driveline retarders or Jake brakes should operate with the retarder in the "on" or "high" position.
The retarder or brake should be switched to "off" when encountering wet, snow, or ice covered roads due to slipperiness.

Cell Phone Use, Smoking & Vehicle Backing

Cell phones cannot be answered while driving, except by Staff Officers.
Smoking is prohibited inside any department apparatus or vehicle.
Refer to NLFD SOG 2.1 Backing Apparatus for complete expectations.
All District apparatus require a spotter while backing up.
Vehicles should only back up if forward driving isn't possible.
If a spotter isn't available, the driver must conduct a 360-degree walk around to identify hazards.
Two spotters are recommended, one on each side of the vehicle.
If the driver loses sight of the spotter, the vehicle should stop immediately.
Staff cars do not require spotters.

Wheel Chocks

All vehicles without a parking gear require wheel chocks when parked outside the station.
Chocks should be placed on the downhill side of the tire.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential guidelines for operating emergency vehicles safely, focusing on driver responsibilities and safety protocols. It highlights the importance of maintaining control, proper communication, and adherence to licensing requirements. Assess your knowledge on safe practices for emergency responses.