By Ken Robinson
FireRescue1 associate editor
SUDLERSVILLE, Md. — Speeding and wet roadways contributed to the death of a Maryland fire chief, investigators say.
Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Chief Charles Fletcher “Buck” Clough Jr. was responding to an appliance fire at a house on April 15 when his pickup truck skidded off the highway and struck a tree, killing him.
In a NIOSH report released Tuesday, investigators say Chief Clough Jr. was travelling on a wet roadway above the 50 mph speed limit without using the vehicle’s siren.
Though the vehicle’s emergency lights were activated, another vehicle pulled into the chief’s path at an intersection, forcing him to swerve to avoid colliding with the other vehicle.
As a result, investigators are recommending fire departments follow SOGs for driver safety and include specific procedures for emergency response, such as siren use.
The report also suggests fire departments train all apparatus operators on defensive driver techniques, including “anticipating other drivers’ actions, estimating visual lead time, knowing braking and reaction times, combating skids, knowing evasive tactics, and having knowledge of weight transfer.”
“It is incumbent upon fire departments to ensure that apparatus driver/operators have periodic training on safe driving, given the risks in emergency response,” the report said. “This applies even with experienced drivers.”
The driver of the other vehicle also reported he was unable to see the chief’s emergency lights due to an embankment at the stop sign.
Investigators say governing municipalities should ensure that adequate line-of-sight is maintained at roadway intersections, especially on routes frequently used by responding emergency vehicles.