[Species8472]

30+ years in the fire service here. Driven everything from a command car to a ladder truck here in Alaska on really crappy roads and in winter conditions. Trained lot of probies in emergency vehicle operations.

One of the most important concepts that new drivers MUST learn is proper intersection "etiquette"(most emergency vehicle accidents occur at intersections)

Always be able to stop when approaching an intersection, even on a green light. Red lights and sirens should ask politely for the right of way, not demand it. When the weather is bad, I require a full stop at every red light before proceeding through the intersection.

There is no excuse for driving any other way. Study after study has shown that the time advantage gained by bthe use of red lights and sirens in minimal.

[DainBramage]

When you stop at a red light and then go through you are still running the red light . I described the same tactics you describe in earlier posts

Its not always the fault of energency responders, whether you are able to stop or not, and thats what these people assume. While I agree, in your first alarm territory it doesnt make much difference in a 40 mile an hour firetruck, but to cops driving across town it saves alot of time. This chief wants them to stop and wait for green.Imagine that after ten red lights.

Im sitting here right now with a 30 year patrolmen at the firehall and he concurs with me.