“Drive to Survive” is a dynamic, interactive classroom session designed to teach emergency responders how and why vehicle accidents occur. Many emergency responders complete a standard EVOC class, obtain their drivers certification, and think that they are now able to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. “Drive to Survive” identifies the most common causes of vehicle crashes and then explains why these crashes occur. Using the same methods used by crash investigators, “Drive to Survive” explains that no matter how good an emergency responder thinks he or she can drive, at some point physics takes over and the vehicle will lose control. Using true to life examples, this class will explain the limits of driving a vehicle using actual crash reconstruction techniques. The class is designed for fire apparatus operators, ambulance operators and anyone who drives a personal vehicle.
Topics
included in the “Drive to Survive” training program:
· The most common causes of crashes among fire apparatus and private
vehicles
· How poor judgment affects a driver’s ability to avoid being
involved in a crash
· What is “Sirencide” and how it can be avoided
· How does speed affect a drivers ability to perceive and react to
a hazard
· How does speed affect overall stopping distances
· What is the“coefficient of friction” of a roadway and
how does it affect a vehicles ability to stop and handle safely
·An overview of airbrakes and how they operate
·
How do airbrakes affect the ability of a firetruck to stop safely
· What is the critical speed of a curve and what factors cause it to
change
· How do a vehicles tires affect it's performance
· What causes hydroplaning and how can it be avoided
· An in-depth discussion of anti-lock brakes and how they work
· Seatbelt use
· What causes large trucks to “off track” and how can it
lead to crashes
· What factors cause trucks to overturn
· …and much, much more
Drive to Survive is designed for apparatus operators and personal vehicle drivers regardless of their experience levels. By explaining the physics involved in vehicle behavior and crashes in easy to understand terms, members will learn that if a vehicle is not operated properly it will crash, regardless of how many years you have been driving.
“Drive
to Survive” is a program conceived and developed by Battalion Chief
Christopher Daly. Chris Daly has served with the Goshen Fire Department in
West Chester, PA for the past 15 years. After completing his Master’s
Degree in Safety and Industrial Hygiene at Johns Hopkins University, Chris
became a full-time police officer in Delaware County, PA. During the course
of his police career, Chris specialized in crash reconstruction, eventually
becoming a part of his department’s Traffic Safety Unit. After recognizing
a need for specialized training within the fire service in fire apparatus
behavior and crash analysis, “Drive to Survive” was born.
A “Drive to Survive” seminar was held at the annual Firehouse Exposition in Baltimore on July 29th, 2005.
This 3 hour class is also designed and available for on-site company-wide drills and training sessions. For class availability and pricing, contact Chris Daly through the e-mail link below or by calling 610-960-7248. Customized classes and practical demonstration sessions are also available.
