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**INTRODUCTION**

Driving is one of the most hazardous endeavors we engage in during the
course of our jobs. Vehicle-related accidents are often one of the
leading causes of firefighter deaths annually.

Every year accidents result in significant expenditures from damage to
property and equipment, not to mention the costs associated with medical
treatment and loss of time and productivity. While not all accidents can
be avoided, knowledge of how to safely operate and work around vehicles
can significantly reduce the opportunity for accidents and near misses.

The goal of the Fire Vehicle Driver Orientation course is to provide all
personnel with the foundation of knowledge to make sound decisions and
maintain Situational Awareness while operating and working around fire
vehicles so that everyone comes home safely.

**Fire VEHICLE Driving Orientation**

**INSTRUCTIONS TO THE INSTRUCTOR**

The intent of this training is to provide fire personnel with the basic
knowledge to safely start and move a fire vehicle during an emergency
situation. Target audience is all BLM personnel who will be assigned to
any fire vehicle that may need to be moved in an emergency situation.

All participants must have a current state driver's license in their
possession commensurate with the vehicle requirements they will be
operating.

The instructor needs to review and understand the outside exercise (Cone
Course Exercise) on driving. They need to obtain cones and understand
how to set up the driving course and the area and space that it will
take. Time needed to allow students adequate time to perform Cone Course
will be dependant on class size and skill level

The Cone Course exercise gives the student the opportunity to practice
the principles learned in the classroom instruction. This maybe the
first time the student has ever operated a vehicle of this type.
Evaluators will need to pay special attention to the students comfort
level and confidence. This course is not pass/fail, but an orientation
opportunity. Additional instruction maybe needed throughout the season
to assist the students development.

The instructor should review BLM policies and regulations on driving
vehicles in order to answer questions that may come up during the
lecture.

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**NOTES**

**DETAILED LESSON PLAN**

CURRICULUM: BLM Fire Management

COURSE: Fire Vehicle Driving Orientation

SUGGESTED TIME: 1 hour classroom discussion

> 1 hour hands-on vehicle orientation

1 hour vehicle operation (Cone Course)

TRAINING AIDS: Computer with computer projector and CD-ROM, projection
screen, flip charts, and markers. Current "Interagency Standards for
Fire and Fire Aviation Operations".

OBJECTIVES: Upon conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

> • Engage in a discussion about bureau policies and regulations related
> to driving government vehicles.
>
> • Perform a driver walk around and vehicle start up.

-   Describe and demonstrate the S.T.O.P. acronym.

-   Describe the capabilities and limitations of the equipment they will
    be assigned to.

> • Demonstrate, on an established course, engine handling and
> maneuvering capabilities including but not limited to backing,
> positioning, braking and cornering
>
> • Demonstrate how to properly use spotters.
>
> • Discuss common hazards when driving in adverse conditions.

+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+
| **OUTLINE**                                        | **AIDS AND      |
|                                                    | CUES**          |
+====================================================+=================+
| **PRESENT UNIT OBJECTIVES**                        | PP-2, 3         |
|                                                    |                 |
| I. BUREAU POLICIES.                                | PP-4            |
|                                                    |                 |
| > A. Drug Free Work Place                          | Interagency     |
| >                                                  | Standards for   |
| > No one who is mentally or physically impaired    | Fire and        |
| > (overly tired, on medication, intoxicated, etc.) | Aviation        |
| > will be permitted to drive an engine or other    | Operations      |
| > vehicle.                                         | 02-17           |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > B. Vehicle Operation                             | Interagency     |
| >                                                  | Standards for   |
| > 1\. Drivers and all passengers must be properly  | Fire and        |
| > seated in an enclosed cab and belted in with an  | Aviation        |
| > approved seat belt when traveling on highways or | Operations      |
| > off road.                                        | 07-5, 6, 7      |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Posted speed limits will not be exceeded.    | PP-5            |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. You must have a current state driver's       | PP-6            |
| > license in your possession for the appropriate   |                 |
| > vehicle class before operating the vehicle.      | PP-7            |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   A Commercial Drivers License (CDL), with       | PP-8            |
|     appropriate endorsements, is required when:    |                 |
|                                                    | PP-9            |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           | PP-10           |
| ```                                                |                 |
| -   The vehicle GVWR is 26,000 lbs or more         | PP-11, 12       |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Towing a vehicle 10,000 lbs. GVRW or more      | PP-13           |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Hauling hazardous material requiring the       | PP-14, 15, 16   |
|     vehicle to be placarded                        |                 |
|                                                    | PP-17           |
| -   Transporting 16 or more persons, including the |                 |
|     driver.                                        | PP-18, 19       |
|                                                    |                 |
| 4.  A CDL Instruction Permit is available by       | PP-20, 21       |
|     taking the appropriate written tests for the   |                 |
|     type of vehicle you will operate.              | PP-22           |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   An instruction permit is valid for up to 180   | PP-23, 24       |
|     days.                                          |                 |
|                                                    | PP-25, 26       |
| -   CDL Instruction Permit driver must be          |                 |
|     accompanied by a person who has a valid CDL    | PP-27           |
|     license to operate the vehicle they are        |                 |
|     driving.                                       | Interagency     |
|                                                    | Standards for   |
| ```{=html}                                         | Fire and        |
| <!-- -->                                           | Aviation        |
| ```                                                | Operations 15-7 |
| -   The person with the CDL license must occupy    |                 |
|     the seat beside the driver.                    | PP-28, 29, 30   |
|                                                    |                 |
| II\. PREPARATION FOR MOVING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE   | PP-31           |
|                                                    |                 |
| > All drivers of fire vehicles will use the        | PP-32           |
| > S.T.O.P. procedure when preparing to move or     |                 |
| > drive the vehicle. It is the drivers             | PP-33, 34       |
| > responsibility to implement the procedure. The   |                 |
| > fire vehicle will **not** be moved until all     | PP-35           |
| > four items in the S.T.O.P. procedure are         |                 |
| > addressed.                                       | PP-36           |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > A. The "S" in the S.T.O.P. acronym stands for:   | PP-37           |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Seat Belts On?                                 | PP-38           |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         | PP-39           |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                | PP-40           |
| -   Seat belts must be available and used in       |                 |
|     Bureau motor vehicles. Without exception, seat | PP-41           |
|     belts must be worn at all times by drivers and |                 |
|     passengers, regardless of the distance to be   | PP-42, 43       |
|     traveled or the time involved                  |                 |
|                                                    | PP-44           |
| -   Seatbelts should be equipped with locks that   |                 |
|     will prevent seat belts from cinching down     | PP-45           |
|     during off road driving.                       |                 |
|                                                    | PP-46           |
| -   The driver is responsible for asking this      |                 |
|     question and receiving responses back from the | PP-47           |
|     passengers.                                    |                 |
|                                                    | PP-48           |
| -   Seat belts save lives and prevent injuries,    |                 |
|     **BUCKLE UP!**                                 | PP-49           |
|                                                    |                 |
| > B. The "T" in the S.T.O.P. acronym stands for:   | PP-50           |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Tools and equipment stowed?                    | PP-51           |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         | PP-52           |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                | PP-53, 54       |
| -   Ensure all tools and equipment are secured in  |                 |
|     cabinets or approved storage areas before      | PP-55           |
|     moving the vehicle.                            |                 |
|                                                    | PP-56, 57, 58   |
| > C. The "O" in the S.T.O.P. acronym stands for:   |                 |
|                                                    | PP-59, 60       |
| -   Operator (driver) has situational awareness?   |                 |
|                                                    | PP-61           |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           | PP-62           |
| ```                                                |                 |
| -   Determine if vehicle is clear of hazards.      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Never back a vehicle without checking behind   |                 |
|     the vehicle.                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Utilize spotters (vehicle occupants) when ever |                 |
|     possible.                                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > D. The "P" in the S.T.O.P. acronym stands for:   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Personnel accounted for?                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                |                 |
| -   Ensure all personnel are account for, and      |                 |
|     their location is known                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Communicate intentions to all personnel before |                 |
|     moving vehicle.                                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     III. DRIVER WALK-AROUND                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > The inspection begins as you approach the        |                 |
| > vehicle. As you approach you are gathering       |                 |
| > Situational Awareness of the area surrounding    |                 |
| > the vehicle. Driver is responsible to complete a |                 |
| > 360° visual inspection of the vehicle and        |                 |
| > surrounding area every time the vehicle is       |                 |
| > moved.                                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A.  Things to be looking for while in field        |                 |
|     locations are:                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Rocks in the way of tires                  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Holes, berms, ditches, etc.                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Large stobbs or downed trees               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Chalks secured and in place                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Gear or equipment around or under vehicle  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Vehicles parked behind the vehicle         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Personnel relaxing or sleeping around      |                 |
|         vehicle (fire camp)                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Clearances under, around, and above        |                 |
|         vehicle                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Unsecured items                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Cabinet doors closed                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| B.  Things to be looking for while in a government |                 |
|     compound, parking lots or staging areas are:   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Tools or tool boxes laying around          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Clearance to the sides and over head in    |                 |
|         and near the path your vehicle will take   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Chalks secured and in place                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Gear or equipment around vehicle           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Vehicles parked behind the vehicle         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| IV\. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SA)                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > Situational Awareness in driving and moving      |                 |
| > vehicles is your perception of what is happening |                 |
| > or has happened around the vehicle you are       |                 |
| > driving. Lack of good situational awareness is   |                 |
| > the leading cause of vehicle related accidents.  |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > A. Know where your crew members or personnel     |                 |
| > are.                                             |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Never move a vehicle without ensuring all    |                 |
| > personnel are clear of the vehicle.              |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Communicate with personnel on vehicle        |                 |
| > maneuvers before moving.                         |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Honk your horn before moving the vehicle.    |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 4\. Be aware of the vehicle danger zones         |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > B. Make sure safety equipment is being used      |                 |
| > correctly.                                       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Never move a vehicle until all passengers    |                 |
| > have their seat belt fastened.                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2.  Adjust driving seat to fit your body.          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3.  Adjust mirrors to give you better SA.          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 4.  Make sure back up alarm is working, if so      |                 |
|     equipped.                                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > C. Pay attention to your immediate surroundings. |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Road conditions and type                     |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Road shoulders                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3.  Clearances                                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 4.  Traffic patterns                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 5.  Ground cover and type                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > D. Pay attention to your general surroundings.   |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Rock Piles/Rock Outcroppings                 |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Mine Shafts                                  |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Ravines/Cliffs                               |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 4\. Lava Flows (tubes could collapse)            |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 5\. Various terrain and fuel type changes        |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 6\. Power lines (height of wires)                |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 7\. Damaged roads and or bridges                 |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 8\. Driving on military ranges                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| E.  Understand factors that cause distractions     |                 |
|     while driving.                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     1.  Radio traffic                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     2.  Cell phone                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     3.  Mission focused(tunnel vision)             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     4.  Crew chatter                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > F. Vehicle placement at the fireline             |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Ingress and Egress                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Never drive a fire vehicle into a place where  |                 |
|     you can't exit easily.                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Parked fire vehicles need to be faced towards  |                 |
|     an exit (escape route).                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Don't block traffic or other fire vehicles.    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Leave keys in unattended fire vehicles during  |                 |
|     fire operations. Windows should always be      |                 |
|     rolled up.                                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   When possible park fire vehicle in the black.  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Watch for hot spots under tires.           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Watch for venting gas or diesel tanks.     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > 2\. Be aware of fireline hazards when parking    |                 |
| > your vehicle (snags, rolling debris, etc.)       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Parking on a hill                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| a.  Turn the wheels uphill or into the             |                 |
|     inside/embankment.                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| b.  Firmly set the emergency brake or Parking      |                 |
|     brake.                                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| c.  Put the vehicle in Park (if automatic          |                 |
|     transmission)or in a forward gear (if manual   |                 |
|     transmission); do not leave it in neutral.     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| d.  Turn off the engine.                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| e.  Chock the wheels. When utilizing chocks, make  |                 |
|     sure they are on the correct side in reference |                 |
|     to the slope. Assure the chocks are approved   |                 |
|     to hold the weight of the vehicle and will     |                 |
|     grip on the road surface.                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| f.  Be especially aware of safe parking on slopes  |                 |
|     on incidents when moving the vehicle           |                 |
|     frequently, as in using engines in pumping     |                 |
|     operations along a roadway. It is very easy to |                 |
|     get complacent with procedures or not even     |                 |
|     realize that you are on a slightly different   |                 |
|     slope which would require placing chocks       |                 |
|     differently.                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| **V.** PRE-TRIP INSPECTION                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > Safety is the most important reason to inspect a |                 |
| > fire vehicle - safety for the driver and for     |                 |
| > other road users. The pre-trip inspection on a   |                 |
| > fire vehicle is done to help the driver and crew |                 |
| > find problems that could cause a crash or        |                 |
| > breakdown. This inspection should not be         |                 |
| > confused with the Driver Walk Around which is    |                 |
| > done every time the driver moves a vehicle.      |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > The pre-trip inspection should be done daily on  |                 |
| > fire vehicles even if the vehicle is not moved.  |                 |
| > This inspection should be documented. For BLM    |                 |
| > engines this inspection will be documented in    |                 |
| > the "[Fire Engine Maintenance Procedure and      |                 |
| > Record](http://www.fire.blm.g                    |                 |
| ov/training/blmtrng/PDFs/ENOP/record.pdf)"(FEMPR). |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > The inspection begins as you approach the        |                 |
| > vehicle. As you approach you are gathering       |                 |
| > Situational Awareness of the area surrounding    |                 |
| > the vehicle.                                     |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > A. Check equipment:                              |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Look under engine for problems (leaks, loose |                 |
| > wires, etc.)                                     |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Cabinets secure                              |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Equipment secure (drip torches, hoses,       |                 |
| > nozzles in holders)                              |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 4\. Check fluid levels                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Oil                                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Automatic transmission fluid                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Coolant                                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Washer fluid                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Brake fluid                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > 5\. Seat belts functioning                       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 6\. Gauges functioning                           |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 7\. Headlights functioning                       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 8\. Turn signals functioning                     |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > B. Clear visibility:                             |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Windows clean                                |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Dash clear of material                       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Proper seat adjustment                       |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 4\. Mirrors adjusted                             |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > C. Clutch and brake operation:                   |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Seat adjustment (reach the pedal)            |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 2\. Floorboard and pedals free of mud, dirt, and |                 |
| > debris                                           |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 3\. Pedals move easily                           |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 4\. Pedals have full range of motion.            |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 5\. Air pressure adequate                        |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 6\. Brakes work properly (pull forward and       |                 |
| > apply)                                           |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 7\. Brake lights functioning                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| D.  Safety Equipment                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     1.  Seat Belts                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Need to be easily available for all    |                 |
|             passengers and in good working order.  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     2.  Accident forms required to be in every     |                 |
|         vehicle                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Form DI-134 Report of                  |                 |
|             Accident/Incident                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Standard Form 91 Operators Report of   |                 |
|             Motor Vehicle Accident                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Standard Form 94 Statement of          |                 |
|             Witnesses                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     3.  Fire Extinguisher                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Check service date                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     4.  First Aid kit                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Inspect contents with packing list and |                 |
|             expiration dates.                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     5.  Reflector set                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Easily available                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     6.  Jack and lug wrench                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         -   Check jack operation, lift limit, and  |                 |
|             lug wrench fit vehicle.                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| VI\. STARTING THE VEHICLE                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > A. Battery ON/OFF switch                         |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > 1\. Most fire vehicles will have a battery       |                 |
| > ON/OFF switch located inside the driver side     |                 |
| > door, next to the driver seat.                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| a.  This switch needs to be in the "ON" position   |                 |
|     for the vehicle to start and pump to run.      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| b.  When leaving the vehicle unattended, you       |                 |
|     should turn battery ON/OFF switch to the OFF   |                 |
|     position to avoid battery drain.               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                |                 |
| 2.  Power Control Consol                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Some fire vehicles have a Power Control Consol |                 |
|     that contains the power switches to operate    |                 |
|     features such as:                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Body Master -- Power to the fire package.  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Pump Master -- Power to the pump.          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Hose Reel -- remotely wind hose reels.     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Emergency Lighting -- Activates emergency  |                 |
|         lights.                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| B.  Vehicles equipped with an automatic            |                 |
|     transmission must be in the "park" position to |                 |
|     start.                                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| C.  Vehicles equipped with a manual transmissions  |                 |
|     the clutch must be depressed to start.         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > D. Start motor by turning ignition key.          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| E.  Release parking brake                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > 1\. Air Brake system                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| a.  Driver will need to release parking break by   |                 |
|     firmly pushing in the Parking Brake control.   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| b.  This control is diamond-shaped, yellow,        |                 |
|     push-pull control knob. It is located within   |                 |
|     reach of the operator on the vehicle           |                 |
|     dashboard.                                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > 2\. Hydraulic Brakes system                      |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > a\. Locate and disengage the parking brake.      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| a.  This control is usually located on the left    |                 |
|     side of the vehicle brake peddle. Either as a  |                 |
|     hand release "T" handle under the dash or a    |                 |
|     foot release peddle.                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| VII\. DIESEL ENGINE OPERATIONS                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A. Starting                                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1\. Allow glow plugs to warm up; watch water and   |                 |
| glow plug indicator lights.                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2\. Performing a cold start.                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Depress accelerator to the floor to fully open |                 |
|     the fuel pump.                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                |                 |
| -   Pumping the accelerator does nothing since     |                 |
|     there is no choke or accelerator pump at the   |                 |
|     carburetor.                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     B.  Diesel Fuel                                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| ```{=html}                                         |                 |
| <!-- -->                                           |                 |
| ```                                                |                 |
| -   Keep the fuel level above a quarter of a tank. |                 |
|     Consult vehicle owner's manual for fuel system |                 |
|     priming if you run out of fuel.                |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| VIII\. STEERING WHEEL HAND POSITIONS AND TURNING   |                 |
| TECHNIQUE                                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A.  Place hands at the 9- and 3-o'clock positions  |                 |
|     on the steering wheel.                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| B.  Place your thumbs on the outside of the wheel  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   This helps avoid injury in the event the       |                 |
|     steering wheel reacts to front tires hitting   |                 |
|     an object such as a rock.                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| C.  Maintain the proper hand position for all      |                 |
|     driving conditions.                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| D.  Use the hand-over-hand technique when turning. |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| IX\. SHIFTING MANUAL TRANSMISSION(4- or 5-speed)   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A. Starting the Vehicle                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1\. Put the transmission in neutral.               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2\. Depress the clutch.                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3.  Select the proper gear.                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Second gear (generally) when starting on   |                 |
|         level ground                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   First gear when starting on steep slopes   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| B. Up Shifting                                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1\. Bring the tachometer to between 2,500 and      |                 |
| 3,000 RPM.                                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2\. Depress the clutch.                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3\. Shift to a higher gear.                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| C. Down Shifting                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1\. Bring the tachometer to 1,500 RPM (avoid       |                 |
| lugging the engine).                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2\. Depress the clutch.                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3\. Shift to a lower gear.                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| D. Starting on a hill or Slope                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1\. Set the parking brake.                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2\. Put right foot on brake; left foot on clutch.  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 3\. Shift into first gear.                         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 4\. Let clutch out slowly as you slowly depress    |                 |
| accelerator.                                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 5\. Feel a pull forward, then release the parking  |                 |
| brake.                                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 6\. Maintain RPM. through the climb.               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| X. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A.  Starting the Vehicle                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Start vehicle in "P" or park. Some automatic   |                 |
|     transmissions will have a "N" or neutral       |                 |
|     position instead of park.                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Divers foot on the brake pedal                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     A.  Select the Proper Gear for Travel          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   First or second -- low-speed crawl out         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Second through fourth -- city driving          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Second through fifth -- highway driving        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   If the transmission shifts constantly, go to a |                 |
|     lower gear selection.                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Release brake pedal, drive in proper gear.     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     XI. AIR BRAKE USE                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     ```{=html}                                     |                 |
|     <!-- -->                                       |                 |
|     ```                                            |                 |
|     A.  Normal Stops                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Apply the brakes hard at first and gradually   |                 |
|     release as speed is reduced.                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     A.  Downhill Runs                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Use the proper gear reduction to maintain the  |                 |
|     engine at a safe speed.                        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Brake application can be made intermittently   |                 |
|     to keep the engine well under control.         |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     A.  "Fanning"                                  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   This refers to the repeated rapid application  |                 |
|     and releasing of the air brakes during a stop. |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Avoid this action since it results in poor     |                 |
|     brake performance, lowering the reservoir and  |                 |
|     air line pressures.                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     A.  General Braking and Stopping Issues        |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         1.  Be aware of the effect speed and       |                 |
|             weight has on perception, reaction     |                 |
|             time, brake lag, and effective braking |                 |
|             distances.                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         2.  National average for                   |                 |
|             perception‑reaction (thinking) time to |                 |
|             apply brakes is .75 seconds.           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         3.  Brake lag = distance traveled in .4    |                 |
|             seconds (in feet).                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         4.  Braking distance = number of feet      |                 |
|             traveled after the brake shoes contact |                 |
|             the drums (under ideal conditions).    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   At 60 mph a 31,000 GVWR vehicle is         |                 |
|         traveling 88 feet per second. At this      |                 |
|         speed, the perception‑reaction distance is |                 |
|         132 feet; the brake lag, 35 feet; and the  |                 |
|         effective braking distance, 180 feet. The  |                 |
|         total stopping distance is 347 feet!       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|         1.  Do not lock up the wheels(dynamite     |                 |
|             braking)                               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Gentle but firm pressure on brake petal is |                 |
|         best.                                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Rolling friction is reduced---beads of     |                 |
|         rubber come off the locked, skidding tires |                 |
|         acting as ball bearings for the vehicle to |                 |
|         slide on.                                  |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Friction between tires and road keeps the  |                 |
|         vehicle controllable.                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Other factors affecting friction between   |                 |
|         tires and road are tire size, type, and    |                 |
|         inflation.                                 |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| XII\. TERRAIN CONCERNS IN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE DRIVING |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| A.  Mud and Sand Areas                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Make sure the 4-wheel drive transfer case is   |                 |
|     engaged before entering the areas.             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Maintain momentum.                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Keep front tires straight.                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Maintain a smooth, steady speed.               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| B.  Side Hills                                     |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Be aware of water load shifting (weight        |                 |
|     transfer)                                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Full versus partial tank of water          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Be aware of how load structuring affects your  |                 |
|     center of gravity.                             |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Be aware of soil types the vehicle is          |                 |
|     traveling over which effects sliding or roll   |                 |
|     over                                           |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Loose and sandy                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Hard pan                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Rocky or gravelly                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| C.  Hills                                          |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Select the proper gear before climbing a hill. |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   Do not force shifting while on a hill; you |                 |
|         could miss a gear and stall.               |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| -   Down shift on the crest of a hill before       |                 |
|     descending.                                    |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
|     -   This prevents free wheeling and missing a  |                 |
|         gear.                                      |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| XI\. Cone Course                                   |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| THE CONE COURSE EXERCISE GIVES THE STUDENTS THE    |                 |
| OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE THE PRINCIPLES LEARNED IN  |                 |
| THE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION. THIS MAYBE THE FIRST    |                 |
| TIME THE STUDENT HAS EVER OPERATED A VEHICLE OF    |                 |
| THIS TYPE. EVALUATORS WILL NEED TO PAY SPECIAL     |                 |
| ATTENTION TO THE STUDENTS COMFORT LEVEL AND        |                 |
| CONFIDENCE. THIS COURSE IS NOT PASS/FAIL, BUT AN   |                 |
| ORIENTATION OPPORTUNITY. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION    |                 |
| MAY NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON TO ASSIST THE     |                 |
| STUDENTS DEVELOPMENT.                              |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| > A. Brief students on cone course exercise using  |                 |
| > diagrams in hand-out.                            |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > B. Assign driving order and vehicles to students |                 |
| >                                                  |                 |
| > C. Driver walk around                            |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 1.  Before students operate the vehicle they will  |                 |
|     need to conduct a driver walk around as        |                 |
|     instructed in the classroom instruction        |                 |
|     section.                                       |                 |
|                                                    |                 |
| 2.  Evaluators will assist students with walk      |                 |
|     around by referring to the Fire Vehicle        |                 |
|     Driving Orientation Student Evaluation form to |                 |
|     lead the student during the walk around.       |                 |
+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+

CONE COURSE EXERCISE

The intent of the cone exercises is to allow the student to become
familiar with the vehicle in a controlled environment. Instructors
should emphasize the driver walk around, smooth starting and stopping,
as well as vehicle control.

Students are encouraged to use spotters during vehicle maneuvers.
Evaluators should assist the students with communication and hand signal
use with spotters.

Talk to each driver and verbally critique each driver's performance.
Give the students ways to improve driving through the cones.

There will be two cone exercises which consist of the following:

Offset Alley

Serpentine

There are cone course lay-outs provided for various vehicle wheel bases.
Instructors will need to test the course with the vehicles being to
ensure compatibility. The diagrams for all the cone exercises are on the
following pages.

The instructor will need to make sure all cones are in place. These
cones are readily available from power companies, gas companies,
construction companies, state highway departments; or other resources
you may have in your community.

Cone locations can be pre-marked with chalk or paint. By using the chalk
or paint as a reference point, cones that are knocked over can be placed
in their exact location. If you are testing both wheel base categories
in the course, two sets of markings can be used at each station.

OFFSET ALLEY

133" -- 180" Vehicle Wheel Base

The student will drive between two sets of cones as on a road, taking a
sharp left turn followed by a sharp right turn. Once the turns are
completed the student will align the vehicle and come to a complete
stop. Next the student will reverse and back the vehicle through the
course, stopping at the start line.

![](media/image5.png){width="4.5in" height="6.442361111111111in"}

OFFSET ALLEY

180" -- 212" Wheel Base

The student will drive between two sets of cones as on a road, taking a
sharp left turn followed by a sharp right turn. Once the turns are
completed the student will align the vehicle and come to a complete
stop. Next the student will reverse and back the vehicle through the
course, stopping at the start line.

![](media/image6.png){width="4.493055555555555in"
height="6.420138888888889in"}

SERPENTINE

133" -- 180" Vehicle Wheel Base

The student will begin at the start point that the evaluators have set
up. They will proceed up the right side of the row of cones. At the
first cone while driving forward the student will alternate passing to
the left of the first cone, then right of the second cone and so forth
past the last cone. The student will then align the vehicle and reverse
through the course, backing to the right of the first cone, left of the
second cone, etc.

![](media/image7.png){width="3.9930555555555554in"
height="5.993055555555555in"}

SERPENTINE

180" -- 212" Wheel Base

![](media/image8.png){width="3.9930555555555554in"
height="5.993055555555555in"}The student will begin at the start point
that the evaluators have set up. They will proceed up the right side of
the row of cones. At the first cone while driving forward the student
will alternate passing to the left of the first cone, then right of the
second cone and so forth past the last cone. The student will then align
the engine and reverse through the course, backing to the right of the
first cone, left of the second cone, etc.

**Fire VEHICLE Driving Orientation STUDENT EVALUATION**

Student
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Duty
Station\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Instructor\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Vehicle used during
evaluation\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="4.425694444444445in"
height="1.8145833333333334in"}