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What do you think of Code 3 Driving ?
What are your thoughts on driving Code3 ? I have not yet experienced it yet . Just thought I'de get some thoughts. Thanks . Be Safe
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
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I assume you mean driving with lights and siren?
Well, it's weird. Being able to go through traffic lights and stop signs (after coming to a stop, making sure no one is coming, etc.) goes against all of your driver education training. Although legally entitled to do it, some times I find it just weird to be driving against the rules.
It's also frustrating, because there are often people who just don't pull over. Example: last weekend I was responding to a building fire, and a woman in front of me would not pull over to let me pass. I could see her in her side view mirror, and not once in over a mile and a half did she look in the mirror. She was eating something and driving. When she finally saw me she immediately pulled over.
Others I have been behind, see me in their mirrors but still will not pull over. No amount of siren, horn. flashing lights can get these idiots to yield.
Finally it's dangerous. It used to be said that when you flip the lights and siren on your chances of being in an accident go up by a factor of 10. I don't know what the number is today but it's pretty high. Last year a very high percentage of fiefighter deaths occurred while responding to calls, although not all of them were running lights and siren.
If you have any more questions, ask away.
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Permalink Reply by Drew Lyman on
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It's like driving a red comet, with Lynyrd Skynyrd singing on the bumper and a laser light show...
Not really, the first time you might have enough adrenaline flowing that your foot bounces on the accelerator. But really, it isn't all that. IT IS a lot more responsibilities. Really scanning ahead, really watching for who sees you and who is still oblivious.
Only advice, watch your speed; Driving around town normally, you scan the road, glance at the gauges, the speedometer, pick your nose, etc... When running code, you are so focused on the road and other cars that you can easily be doing 60 down a street and not realize it. Especially if your running in something as fast and smooth as a Pierce Quantum or something.
Enjoy it, it really is a blast the first few times.
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Permalink Reply by Captain Chaos on
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When I was new to the Fire Service, I enjoyed it. Now I pretty much hate it.
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Agreed, Ted. As a Deputy Coordinator I have occasion to respond 15 miles or more in emergency mode and by the time I arrive on scene my knuckles are white, my jaw muscles are sore and I'm kind of pissy about the idiots who utterly disregard my existence on the road. For calls in my own district it's not nearly as bad as it's all rural driving. I often put the flashing lights on just to keep the deer at bay.
Oh, another thing related to watching your speed - I use cruise control on long runs (POV) wherever possible and keep it at 65 MPH or slower. Faster won't get you there any sooner and increases your chances of not getting there at all.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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Driving code 3 comes with a lot of responsibility. In Montana, warning lights and a siren are merely requesting the right of way. You are not legally guaranteed that right of way. Every person in the vehicle must be alert and looking out for other vehicles... to include other fire vehicles responding to the same, or possibly a different emergency. Stop at all red lights and make eye contact... as well as can be possible... with every other driver in the intersection, then proceed with caution. Do not assume everyone hears you coming. Try not to get frustrated. Frustration forces errors. Keep yourself in check. Speed is not important. The emergency will be there when you get there. Having to divert other units to your accident does not contribute positively to the mitigation of the original emergency. Also, in Montana, privately owned vehicles get no breaks when running lights. You still have to obey the speed limit. The purpose of the light is to warn others when you are on-scene. I used to think this law was stupid. Now I think it is one of the smarter laws Montana has. My $.02... Mike
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Permalink Reply by ffbam24 on
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I had a former assistant chief at Useta' Department (Usetabelongto) that emphasized "SLOW is Fast".
When you first start out being able to respond Code 3, Lights n' sirens, Hot; it is such a rush to be going b@lls out like a bat out of he// with your hair on fire.
Thing is, over time I realized he was right. I always tried to exercise "due regard" but realized that I too was getting on scene with a clenched jaw and a bad mood after dealing with the idiots out there. And then having to do your actual job.
You are dealing with different cultures (stopping in the lane of travel without pulling over), attitudes (digital communication), sound systems, increased sound insulation and whatnot.
Getting there is only half of it.
Scan ahead.
Anticipate.
Develop options.
Remember, slow IS fast.
Some other tips:
Be smooth in acceleration and braking.
No jerking turns EXCEPT for accident avoidance. (If you're anticipating, this normally won't be necessary.)
You are in a vehicle that outweighs most everything out there; they don't stop on a dime.
Avoid the urge to ride someone's @ss with lights, horns, sirens, and PA blaring. Their first reaction will MOST LIKELY BE to hit the brakes. You'll learn pucker factor real quick.
With on-board computers, security and traffic cameras everywhere, accident reconstruction is becoming a science. If you are determined to be "at fault", then you will be held responsible. Your department/agency cannot defend you. Out of pocket judgements are being made.
Be safe.
Buckle up.
Hold on.
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One more thing about driving Code 3. Not all calls require a Code 3 response... and there is no Code 2... well technically there is... but no. I only drive Code 3 to calls that have LIFE at stake. Property and the environment can be repaired/replaced. A structure fire without confirmed evacuation gets a Code 3 response. A rolled over gasoline tanker that could explode gets a code 3 response. A lift assist gets a Code 1 response. A structure fire that is in overhaul gets a code 1 response. I am sure others can give more examples. Your operational risk management matrix has to kick in every time the pager goes off. Engage the brain prior to the apparatus transmission.
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Permalink Reply by Diana S on
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As a new firefighter I had found it to be exciting and fun, but now that I am a Driver Operator / Company officer I realize that it can be hazardous to both us and the public. My main concern now is getting my crew there and back safely. I also have to be more observant of what is going on with the other traffic, because a lot of people seem to get confused when we go code 3. Don't get me wrong, code 3 driving can be thrilling, but extra care is needed when you drive out of sync with traffic. Stay Safe.
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Permalink Reply by Spanner 122 on
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We call it Priority one here. I love it. I enjoy the driving, but sitting with the rig... boooooo... lol. it's exciting until you get there, and if you need to run the pump, 5 minutes of hard work and then it's just housekeeping... I would much rather ride the back.
Some rules to remember... red lights - stop and go, but only when you are sure it is safe to do so (as long as you edge out a little most people are going to see you and stop, but there is always one idiot who thinks they are stopping for him to go through... duh).
speed - watch your speed, remember you are not driving a Civic, the stopping time is greater, you'll need space and time.
seatbelts - wear it and remind your crew!!
Be assertive, not aggressive. Lights and sirens can scare some people.. be ready for them.
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