NCJ Number
110264
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article explains how an effective emergency vehicle course can be developed and implemented to reduce automobile collisions, injuries, and deaths involving police officers.
Abstract
A case study of the Macon Police Department (MPD) (Georgia) is used to examine a program developed to improve the driving ability of officers operating emergency vehicles, and to reduce the amount of money spent on automobile accidents. The article cites findings of a special report issued by the International Association of Chiefs of Police which indicates that 7 out of 10 high-speed police pursuits end in a traffic accident, with 5 out of 7 resulting in injury, and 1 out of 5 resulting in death either of the officer, suspect or a third party. The MPD's $154,000 tactical and evasive emergency vehicle driving course is described. The 2-unit course, taken by 265 officers, includes 4 hours of classroom instruction in the principles of high speed operations; techniques for making high speed turns; braking, counter steering and skid control; and 28 hours of hands-on training in the basics of preventive maintenance, safety inspection techniques, servicing vehicles, and driving on the 3-track course. The various driving challenges provided by each track are explained. Results reveal a 30-percent decrease in expenditures since the driver training program became operational, and 95-percent fewer skidding and braking accidents after training. An additional result was that the course was sufficiently demanding for drivers with various levels of skill. Tips on how to set up a successful driver training program are provided.