History Repeats Itself

Following 3 recent apparatus accidents, we clearly need to revisit driving safety

They say that history repeats itself. Unfortunately, it seems true, especially when it comes to the number of fire apparatus accidents that have killed or injured numerous firefighters in the past month. Three major cities—Boston, Houston and Philadelphia—have all experienced major accidents, as have numerous smaller volunteer departments around the country.

In the case of the Boston Fire Department, a 30-year fire lieutenant was killed and three firefighters were injured when the ladder truck they were responding in crashed into a high-rise apartment building. The crash led fire officials to call for an overhaul of the department’s maintenance program.

The Philadelphia accident involved Ladder 9 and Squrt 43, both quartered together and returning from a previous alarm. They received a second alarm and were responding on two different streets when they collided at an intersection.

The Houston incident involved Ladder 16 and Engine 7. The two collided at an intersection, and the ladder truck driver was found at fault for failure to use due caution; he ran a red light and struck the engine.

Regardless of who’s at fault, these were all preventable accidents. I don’t know how many columns have to be written or seminars given for people to understand the importance of safe driving. This isn’t rocket science. Although I’m not trying to “Monday-morning quarterback” by any means, it seems there are a lot of people in higher command in the fire service who have tunnel vision and take the attitude that “It won’t happen here!” Well guess what? It will and can happen in your department if you don’t take action.

So, where should you begin? Ensure you have SOGs/SOPs concerning driver and apparatus safety. All members must wear seatbelts and SLOW DOWN (no excuses!), and the officer and driver must take full responsibility for their actions. If they can’t, then they shouldn’t have their positions. Regardless of adrenaline, when you respond to alarms, stop at all intersections and stop signs before you proceed.

Make sure you have a good apparatus maintenance program—don’t just have your officers check the apparatus lights, sirens, oil and water. Have a certified EVT, either a mechanic from your own department or an outside vendor who’s knowledgeable in fire apparatus maintenance and repair. And have the required manufacturer maintenance performed as needed on a regular basis.

I know these tips have been repeated countless times. It seems that some people just don’t get it. Whether you work for a paid or volunteer department, not adhering to proper safety procedures when responding to, operating at and returning from alarms is NOT an acceptable practice.

Don’t let the lawyers decide the fate of you or your departments. Take action now and prevent an injury or death.

Bob Vaccaro has more than 30 years of fire-service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office, The New York Fire Patrol and several major commercial insurance companies as a senior loss-control consultant.