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.
