We recently completed four days of advanced driver training for our volunteer fire departments. These folks go through regular training sessions in every element of the job. We did the first two days in regular road-going vehicles, a mix of vans and pickups, in order to develop the basic skills. The final two days were spent mainly in the big trucks, and finished with the driving portion of the NFPA 1002 exam. That is the National Fire Protection Association's Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.
Our trainees were not much different from other students in initial skills, but were far above average in willingness to work hard and learn. The two biggest flaws were sloppy steering habits and inefficient use of eyesight, followed by poor footwork and general lack of smoothness. Good wheel-handling skills imply the ability to both quickly and accurately add or release steering. Under stress, most drivers use a mish-mash of techniques that have more in common with amateur goat wrestling than anything resembling precision. Again, due to stress, correct sightlines fall apart unless the driver consciously tries to stay properly focused. Footwork covers smoothness both on and off pedals, an understanding of the need to keep the vehicle balanced, and braking hard, early, during an emergency stop.
The difference for our fire fighters, in training, is that the need for improved skills is both obvious and part of the culture. This gives them a huge learning advantage over those motorists who simply assume they are good drivers. The latter attitude, by the way, is perfectly understandable, based on a sucker element. It is possible to drive badly for many years without major incident. With conducting a motor vehicle, the law of averages says that you could go a long time being incompetent, in large or small ways, without getting shipped home in a box. In precision driver schools, we train for the pleasure of doing something well, to save money, and in order to put the odds a little more on our side. Perhaps it will be that one day, in 10 years of mundane chuffing down the road, when the right response means the difference between driving home and riding in an ambulance.
Fire Rescue Services need every possible safety and performance advantage, given how much is happening during a crisis. The pressure is intense, with numerous tasks and distractions. When the call comes, a volunteer could go from a normal day at work to saving property and lives. One of the biggest dangers comes in that initial response, which usually involves driving a personally owned vehicle to the fire station or incident. Then there is the actual driving of a big fire truck, dealing with the often unpredictable behaviour of other motorists when faced with lights and sirens. Parking is important as well, so cooperation between operator and spotter is mandatory.
After the initial training, follow-up check rides help in maintaining standards. This covers vehicle preparation as well as the driving itself. Any unsecured objects, as well as people or pets, can become deadly projectiles during a crash, swerve, or panic stop. With one pumper apparatus, we had an emergency breathing tank come loose during emergency braking practice. In a utility truck, a steel coffee mug, drink bottle, and flare came out from under the driver's seat during the same exercise. The entertainment level could have gone up considerably if the flare's spike had jabbed the driver in the ankle. Add to that the possibility of blocking pedals with the coffee mug or drink bottle, and there might have been all kinds of unnecessary excitement.
Keeping the passenger compartment secure and tidy is an often-overlooked part of being a skilled driver.
Alan Sidorov is an experienced automotive racer, product tester and freelance writer. You can reach Alan at his website.
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