How to safely navigate different intersections

It is critical for every emergency service organization to adopt and put into practice intersection guidelines for emergency vehicle operators.

At a minimum, these standard operating guidelines should include the following recommended practices.

Controlled intersections

Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign or yellow or red traffic light requires a complete stop by the emergency vehicle driver if all visible traffic in all lanes cannot be accounted for.

In addition, these steps must be followed:

• Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic.
• Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.), as well as driver options.
• Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the driver's foot, continue to scan in four directions.
• Change the siren cadence no less than 200 feet from an intersection.
• Scan the intersection for possible passing options. Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if possible.
• If all visible traffic in all lanes cannot be accounted for, bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
• Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers, have your partner communicate all is clear and reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.
• Proceed one lane of traffic at a time, treating each lane as a separate intersection.

Railroad crossings

Any time an emergency vehicle driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing, they should bring the apparatus to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing.

Prior to proceeding, the emergency vehicle driver should:

• Turn off all sirens and air horns.
• Operate the motor at idle speed.
• Turn off any other sound-producing equipment or accessories.
• Open the windows, and listen for a train's horn.

Uncontrolled intersections

Every emergency vehicle driver should do the following at any intersection that either does not have a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the travel direction or where the traffic control signal is green:

• Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.).
• Observe traffic in all four directions (left, right, front, rear).
• Slow down if any potential hazards are detected, and cover the brake pedal with the driver's foot.
• Change the siren cadence no less than 200 feet from intersection.
• Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if possible.