Top 5 Tips and Tactics for Safe Driving of Emergency Vehicles

Operating and driving an emergency vehicle is certainly not like driving a civilian vehicle – not in the least – especially when there is a call from the dispatch center. As soon as you get that call, your adrenaline and training kick in to create one powerful and potent motivating punch. Not only do you have to protect yourself while rushing to the scene of a crime or accident, but you also have to mind all the other vehicles on the road too. This is why safe driving tactics are important while operating an emergency vehicle. Here are the top five tips and tactics for safe driving of emergency vehicles.

1. Think ahead and stay alert. When you are racing to get to a call in your emergency vehicle, the lights will be glaring and the sirens will be wailing, which means that other vehicles on the road will be making last minute maneuvers to veer out of the way. In some instances, cars may not be able to veer safely. It is in this scenario that you have to find a way around the vehicle safely and speedily. The ability to do this takes attentiveness and the ability to foresee road conditions ahead of time – no matter what they are.
2. Mind vehicles with the right of way. When you are in an ambulance or police cruiser, you will be crossing through busy intersections and other roadways where certain cars may have the right of way, especially if there is a four way stop sign or traffic signal. Not only do you have to yield, but you also have to be able to look both ways to make sure it is clear and safe to pass through.
3. Make sure that everything on your vehicle is operating correctly. When it comes to emergency vehicle operations, you don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t perform your duties as a result of an operational malfunction. For instance, if your LED strip in your siren lights isn’t working, you will need to purchase and install a new one. You can actually visit LED Outfitters for a huge supply of emergency vehicle siren lighting. Not only that, but you want to make sure your dispatch radio works too.
4. Have your brakes inspected regularly. Out of all the other mechanical features on your emergency vehicle, your breaks are the most important. When you are driving to the scene of an incident, you will be doing a lot of pressing on your brakes, which can end up wearing out the brake pads pretty extensively. Ideally, you want to inspect your brakes every few weeks.
5. Take an advanced driving course for emergency vehicles. You never can be too safe when you are operating an emergency vehicle, which is the reason why you want to always keep your skill set sharp and up to date. Usually, your employer can provide you with more information about these courses. At the end of the day, safety should always be an important part of your career as an emergency responder.