USFA and the IAFF Publish Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety

August 24, 2010 — The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), announces the release of Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety, which highlights the results of a U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) supported initiative to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters and law enforcement officers.

"With vehicle crashes and emergency responders being struck on the roadway being a major cause of on-duty fatalities, it is important for all first responders to avail themselves of these programs to reduce this tragic cause of death," said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. "We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Justice's support of this emergency vehicle and roadway safety initiative which benefits the fire service and law enforcement alike."

"The number of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in vehicle crashes and as the result of being struck by vehicles as they work at the roadside is disturbing and unacceptable," said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. "The purpose of this program is to provide information to all emergency responders that will make their jobs safer."

The goal of this project is to provide a basic guide for all law enforcement officers and firefighters to improve their level of safety at work. The document discusses training, policy development, education, and technology to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway safety operations.

Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety is available on the IAFF's website.

Further information on USFA's emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety projects may be found on the USFA's website.

Posted 08-31-10