FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE

Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

I.

II.

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 1 of 7

DRIVER SAFETY (RESPONSIBILITY)

A.

The following guideline pertains to all driver operations both emergency

and non-emergency and while responding from home to station, from
station to any operation or location, and returning to station.

B.

It is the responsibility of the driver/operator/Captain to drive safely and

prudently at all times. All District Vehicles and Personal Response
Vehicles (PRV) shall be operated in compliance with all Missouri State
and local traffic laws. Emergency response does not absolve the driver of
any vehicle of the responsibility to drive with caution.
The
driver/operator/Captain shall at all times be responsible for the safety of
all personnel riding in the vehicle and be aware of all changing road and
traffic conditions and act accordingly.

C.

The Districts public image shall be maintained by prudent courteous

operation of apparatus while in public view. All non-emergency apparatus
handling will be towards the betterment of patrons convenience. This
entails yielding, not blocking passage, not parking in fire lanes, not
traveling through restricted lanes of travel. In non-emergency status,
apparatus will not be left running while parked except in temperatures
below freezing or to 95 degree, or when not using repeaters. Apparatus
shall not enter onto private (not public) property unless in the line of
duty. Courteous driving will be practiced on public roads, as not to tail
gate, cut off traffic for lane changes, race through yellow traffic lights
and other aggressive driving traits.

DRIVER SAFETY (WARNING DEVICES)

A.

When responding emergency, while driving any District Vehicle or PRV,

warning lights and sirens must be used to warn drivers of other
vehicles, as required by Missouri State Statutes.

B.

The use of sirens and warning lights does not automatically give the
right-of-way to any emergency vehicle. These devices simply request
the right-of-way from other drivers, based on their awareness of the
emergency vehicle's presence. Emergency vehicle drivers must make
every possible effort to make their presence and intended actions
known to other drivers, and must drive defensively to be prepared for
the unexpected or inappropriate actions of others.

C.

When responding to a call and using lights and siren, you are authorized
to exceed posted speed limits when prudent only in favorable

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 2 of 7

conditions.
This applies only with light traffic, good roads, good
visibility and dry pavement.
D.
Under less than favorable conditions, the posted speed limit is
the absolute maximum permissible.
III.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY

A.

Fort Osage Fire District vehicles shall be operated in a manner that

provides for the safety of all persons and property. Safe arrival shall
always have priority over unnecessary speed and reckless driving to an
emergency incident.

B.

Prompt, Safe Response Shall Be Attained By:

1.

2.
3.
4.
C.

Leaving the station in a standard manner:

a.
quickly mounting apparatus
b.
all personnel on board, seated and belts on
c.
station doors fully open
Driving defensively and professionally at reasonable speeds.
Knowing where we are going.
Using warning devices to move around traffic and to request the
right-of-way in a safe predictable manner.

Emergency Response Criteria

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Traveling in center or left lanes, at a safe speed.

Traveling in center, or left lane, complete stop at all traffic
lights/stop signs.
Posted speed limit when entering intersections with green light.
Complete stop at all red lights, stop signs.
Multi lane highways, travel in left lane.

D.

Intersections present the greatest potential danger to emergency

vehicles. When approaching and crossing an intersection with the
right-of-way, drivers shall not exceed the posted speed limit.

E.

When emergency vehicles must use center or turn traffic lanes to

approach controlled intersections, (traffic light or stop sign) they must
come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection,
including occasions when the emergency vehicle has green traffic lights.

F.

When approaching a negative right-of-way intersection (red light, stop

sign) the vehicle shall come to a complete stop and may proceed only

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 3 of 7

when the driver can account for all oncoming traffic in all lanes yielding
the right-of-way.
EMERGENCY DRIVING
I.

INTERSECTIONS
A.

Negotiating the intersection, even more than the open road, requires
the emergency vehicle driver to think ahead. Some cardinal rules of
driving intersections are:
1.

B.

When approaching the intersection you shall overtake traffic on

the left when possible. If you are planning to turn at the
intersection, you should signal well in advance. If you are to go
against a red light or stop sign, you should come to a complete
stop at the intersection before passing through it.

Although it is normally not acceptable for a vehicle to stop in the

crosswalk, this is the best place for the emergency vehicle to stop at
intersections while on emergency runs. Actually it is best to stop just
before the crosswalk, insure that it is empty, and then roll into it and
stop again. By doing so, the driver can accomplish three things:
1.
2.
3.

Makes the vehicle easily visible to others approaching the

intersection.
Keeps pedestrians on the curb, and
Also lets the other traffic know the urgency of the situation and of
his intention of occupying the intersection.

C.

As the intersection is cleared and the emergency vehicle driver looks

briefly at each of the other drivers, he must also realize that a vehicle
might be hidden from his view by a larger vehicle. If you can't see
them, they can't see you!

D.

The intersection where the traffic light is about to complete its cycle is
especially dangerous. It is very common for motorists who have been
timing the lights for several blocks to enter an intersection early, before
the light has actually changed in their favor. And, of course, drivers
attempting to get through an intersection on a yellow light often end up
going through on a red. The only way to avoid a collision with these
drivers, as well as those who just aren't paying attention is to slow down
at all intersections, and gain eye contact and commitment before
proceeding.

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 4 of 7

E.

When you are planning on turning right at an intersection, you generally

must still overtake the traffic on the left. This will best allow everyone
else on the road to see your emergency vehicle. To make this turn
safely, the driver shall pull well into the intersection before making the
right turn. Once again, a cushion of the time and space must be
provided between your vehicle and other vehicles.

F.

Probably the most dangerous situation in emergency driving occurs

when the emergency vehicle driver attempts to pass a vehicle that is
signaling to turn left. Coming up behind this motorist, you simply cannot
know what the other driver will do. By passing this vehicle on the left,
you are inviting a collision. It is very common for the lead driver to
decide to complete his left turn to get out of the way of the emergency
vehicle. Such a reaction is even more likely if oncoming traffic slows or
pulls over for your emergency vehicle. The lead vehicle driver might
then misinterpret their action as courtesy towards him and complete the
left turn.
You can't pass this vehicle on the right side either.
This
driver could also pull to the right when he sees you coming. The only
alternative is to wait this driver out until he makes a commitment, then
proceed with caution.

G.

Almost every emergency vehicle response will have another emergency

vehicle responding with it. Remember, two emergency vehicles cannot
occupy the same intersection simultaneously. Always be watchful for
other emergency vehicles at intersections. If you are approaching an
intersection and you believe there may be another emergency vehicle
approaching the intersection from another direction, use your radio to
announce your approach to the intersection.
Example: "Engine 3 approaching 18th and Whitney. Each emergency
vehicle shall use different siren signal, first vehicle on yelp, second on
wail.

H.

The only way to drive on an emergency response is with caution.

Caution does not mean you can't be as expeditious as possible; it only
means that you can't accept any additional risk. There is no law that
states that you can't slow down and even stop during an emergency.
Take the time to acquire eye contact and a commitment from each
driver on the road. The time required to gain this can be kept short by
placing the emergency vehicle where other drivers can make a sound
decision as how to yield to you.

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

II.

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 5 of 7

I.

All Fort Osage Fire District Personnel are required to use seat belts at all
times when operating a vehicle. Anyone riding as a passenger in any
vehicle is also required to use seat belts. The Company Officer will
confirm that all personnel and riders are on-board, properly attired, with
seat belts on, before the vehicle is permitted to move.

J.

All personnel shall ride only in regular seats provided with seat belts.
Riding on tailboards or other exposed positions is not permitted on any
vehicle at any time.

K.

During an emergency response, fire vehicles should avoid passing other

emergency vehicles. If passing is necessary, permission must be
obtained through radio communications.

L.

The unique hazards of driving on or adjacent to the fireground requires

the driver to use extreme caution and to be alert and prepared to react
to the unexpected.

M.

Drivers must consider the dangers their moving vehicle poses to

fireground personnel and spectators who may be preoccupied with the
emergency, and may inadvertently step in front of or behind a moving
vehicle.

N.

When stopped at the scene of an accident, vehicles shall have their

parking brake set, wheel chock placed and apparatus positioned to
protect personnel who may be working in the street and warning lights
shall be used to make approaching traffic aware of the incident. At
night, vehicle mounted floodlights and any other lighting available shall
be used to illuminate the scene. If it is not necessary to park vehicles in
or near traffic lanes, the vehicle should be pulled off the road to parking
lots, curbs, etc., whenever possible.

O.

The officer in charge of the vehicle is responsible for the safety of all
vehicle operations and managing compliance of this procedure.

VEHICLE BACKING (NON-EMERGENCY)

A.

Backing of Fire District vehicles should be avoided whenever possible.

Where backing is unavoidable spotters shall be used at all times. In
addition, spotters shall be used when vehicles must negotiate forward
turns with restrictive side clearances and where height clearances are
uncertain. These procedures shall be used, but not restricted to any
apparatus operating in a condition without emergency warning devices

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 6 of 7

activated. Only in extreme instances should personnel attempt to back

apparatus without spotters, and do so at risk.
1.

Spotters shall be utilized at all instances. No more than two

personnel should be used as spotters in direct control of
apparatus movement. A third person can be used for traffic
control. Non-Fire district personnel can be used in necessary
instances were it is deemed unsafe not to use them.

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 7 of 7

2.

At least two spotters should be used when a backing and a

turning maneuver is attempted at the same time. This is to spot
the reverse travel and the side movement of the apparatus. This
is to include at the Stations.

3.

Spotters will not be positioned anywhere on the apparatus. All

have to be on the ground and stay in the view of the

spotters
driver.
4.
between the

The backing plan will be discussed prior to the maneuver

spotter and the driver.

5.

Any apparatus side window will be in the down position on the

side a spotter is utilized.

6.

The communication/warning process will be agreed upon prior to

backing.

7.

The backing procedure will not commence until all spotters are in position.

When backing takes place among other traffic, the backing

apparatus will use its emergency lights.
8.

III.

Apparatus will not be backed while loading hose. The apparatus

can move forward with a spotter. No personnel will be on the
tailboard and if personnel are needed in the hose bed, they shall
not be in a
standing position.

VEHICLE BACKING DURING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

A.

This situation applies to apparatus in direct support and activity

associated with emergency operations. This does not absolve any
responsibility of following guidelines set forth in regards to backing
District apparatus. The following precautions should be practiced when
personnel are operating apparatus alone.
1.

When Fire District personnel

are unavailable, Non-District
personnel can be utilized. The operator should use prudent
judgement in backer selection in regards to maturity, and ability.
Discussion and understanding of your expectations and their role
must be understood before the backing can commence.

2.

All attempts should be practiced not to back or further operate

FORT OSAGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINE
Subject:
DRIVING

Effective Date:
6-01-88
Revision Date:
08-17-05

Applies To: All Personnel

G.O.G.#
106.00
Page 8 of 7

District apparatus on private property. Even on alarms, apparatus

should be positioned on the road way, and only vehicles needed
in direct support of the operation need to placed on driveways
and on other private access and public properties. Large facilities,
like shopping centers, schools, were there is maneuvering room
can be utilized at the discretion of Command.
3.

IV.

When no backers are present, and circumstances require backing,

operators shall walk a 360 degree survey around the apparatus to spot
obstructions before the backing attempt.

SIGNALS
A.

STRAIGHT BACK: One hand above the head with palm toward face,
waving back. Other hand at your side. (Left or right hand optional) See
Figure 1.

B.

TURN: Both arms pointing the same direction with index fingers
extended. See Figure 2. (Driver has option as to which way he turns
apparatus and signalman then assists the driver in backing apparatus.)

C.

STOP: Both arms thrust above head with open hands. See Figure

D.

NIGHT BACKING: Signals will be the same. The signalman will assure
that the spotlights on rear of apparatus are turned on before he allows
apparatus to be backed. A flashlight may be carried, but at no time will
it be directed toward mirror. See Figure 4, 5, 6, and 7.

E.

Remember, once the driver has determined the direction of the turn, the
signalman has complete control of the movement of the apparatus. If
there is ever any doubt as to the safety of either signalman or
apparatus, stop the maneuver until proper adjustments are made.