Law Enforcement Driving Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of threshold braking?

To avoid locking up the wheels

What is the advantage of the 9 and 3 steering technique?

It provides quick access to dashboard control items

What is the correct Line of Travel through a true apex turn?

Outside-inside-outside

What is the primary benefit of using the shuffle steering technique?

It avoids crossing the hands Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

To release just enough pressure to maintain rolling friction Signup and view all the answers

What is the true apex of a turn?

The geometric high point on the inside of a turn Signup and view all the answers

On a cloudy day, a siren's audibility tends to?

carry further with minimal loss of decibels Signup and view all the answers

In foggy weather, emergency lights are?

virtually ineffective Signup and view all the answers

What can decrease the effectiveness of a siren?

Large vehicles, such as heavy trucks and buses Signup and view all the answers

In a residential area, a siren may be?

less discernible Signup and view all the answers

Why might pedestrians not respond to an emergency warning device?

They may be distracted or not see or hear the device Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when approaching another vehicle from the rear?

Flash your lights Signup and view all the answers

When should you not join a pursuit?

When there are two or more pursuing vehicles Signup and view all the answers

Why might an officer decide to abandon a pursuit?

If they feel they are driving over their limitations Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing in a pursuit?

Ramming or nudging the violator's vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider before starting a pursuit?

Your vehicle's limitations and your own abilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach 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 Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer avoid when selecting a route during an emergency response?

Roads with heavy pedestrian traffic or slow-moving vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for selecting a route during an emergency response?

The route with the least amount of steering and speed adjustment requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using headlights in conjunction with emergency overhead lights during daylight?

Headlights are usually more discernible than traditional red or blue overheads in the daytime Signup and view all the answers

Why should officers avoid using high beam lamps at night when using emergency lights?

They can temporarily blind oncoming drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key purpose of using emergency warning devices?

To enhance the officer's ability to maneuver in traffic and reduce the risk to self and others Signup and view all the answers

Why is route selection often a low priority during non-emergency responses?

Because the focus is on arrival, not speed Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer prioritize during an emergency response?

Arrival at the destination, with speed as the second consideration Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the audibility of sirens and the visibility of emergency lights?

Various factors, such as weather and traffic conditions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for officers to practice route selection during non-emergency driving?

To increase the chances of making the best route decision during an emergency response Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Techniques for Emergency Driving

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 for quick steering needs, body balance, and 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
Correct Line of Travel through a true apex turn: outside-inside-outside
Move to the right side of the roadway for a left turn, and to the left side for a right turn
Brake in a straight line, coast to the inside at the apex, then accelerate to the outside edge

Route Selection for Emergency Driving

Factors to consider: traffic density, pedestrian traffic, road conditions, line-of-sight, and weather
Avoid roads with heavy traffic, pedestrian traffic, and poor road conditions
Select roads with acceptable line-of-sight conditions and minimal traffic density
Consider day of the week, road, weather, and visibility conditions

Warning Devices for Emergency Driving

Emergency warning devices enhance the officer's ability to maneuver in traffic and reduce risk to self and others
Headlights should be used in conjunction with emergency overhead lights during daylight
High beam lamps can obliterate emergency lights and blind oncoming drivers during nighttime
Sirens are often required, by statute, regardless of the time of day when engaged in emergency driving
Emergency lights and sirens are not substitutes for caution and utilization of mastered driving skills

Safety Techniques for Pursuit Driving

Common pursuit driving tips:
- 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 straightaways and in uncongested areas
- Flash lights when approaching another vehicle from the rear
- Know the area and do not depend on the siren to move other vehicles out of the way
When to abandon a pursuit: if an officer begins to feel or suspect that they are driving over their and the vehicle's limitations

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