NIOSH report outlines safe driving practices

By FireRescue1 Staff

WASHINGTON — Safer driving practices, including familiarity with roads in response areas and increased staffing, may help prevent firefighter fatalities, according to a NIOSH report.

The report, released Monday, is an analysis of the incident that killed Firefighter Eric Speed, of Caddo, La., on March 28. Firefighter Speed was killed en route to a fire when he failed to make a 90-degree turn in the tanker he was driving. The vehicle rolled over, trapping him.

The NIOSH investigation found that Firefighter Speed, who was aiding a neighboring department, was unfamiliar with the route he was driving. The report suggests providing drivers with maps, GPS devices or specific verbal directions to incident scenes.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that vehicles be staffed with a minimum of two firefighters. The passenger can help navigate unfamiliar roads, handle communications and act as a second pair of eyes to watch for potential hazards. The new NIOSH report reiterates this recommendation.

The report also suggests increased training to ensure that drivers are properly trained and operate apparatus at a safe speed. Training could also increase drivers’ familiarity with the roads in their response areas and neighboring districts.