It is the responsibility of an emergency vehicle driver to ensure that they refrain from driving recklessly and in an unreasonably dangerous manner.
Emergency vehicles have permission to jump traffic signals, drive the wrong way in a traffic lane, speed, and pass other cars in ways that would otherwise violate traffic rules. Despite such allowances, an emergency vehicle driver’s responsibility is to ensure that they refrain from driving recklessly and in an unreasonably dangerous manner. Negligent driving can cause severe accidents, and emergency vehicle drivers can be held liable for any injuries caused by negligence.
What Constitutes Negligent Driving?
Statistics show that emergency vehicles are often involved in collisions and accidents. The drivers of emergency vehicles may engage in negligent driving habits that are dangerous to them and those around them. Negligent driving refers to:
- Incorrect or non-use of sirens and lights to alert traffic
- Speeding at intersections and while taking turns at bends without checking if the way is clear
- Trailing other vehicles too closely
- Maneuvering the vehicle between narrow spaces
Emergency Vehicle Accident Statistics
Fire trucks –
- Collisions with other vehicles are the second leading cause of death of firefighters while on the job.
- About 31,600 fire truck collisions were reported between 2000 and 2009.
- Of these collisions, about 70% took place while the fire truck was on an emergency call.
- 49% of these accidents resulted in at least one fatality.
- Fire truck roll-over accidents constituted about two-thirds of the total accidents reported.
Medical ambulances –
- Annually, about 2,600 people are injured in ambulance collisions.
- 33% of fatalities are reported in ambulance collisions.
- 35% are either injured or die in ambulance collisions.
- Out of these, about 4% are the ambulance drivers, 21% are the people transported in the ambulance, 12% were non-occupants of vehicles and 63% were passengers of the colliding vehicle.
Police cars –
- Police car pursuits cause an estimated 300 fatal accidents each year.
- About one-third of this number include pedestrians and other individuals not involved in the pursuit.
These numbers might not be an accurate estimation of fatal police car crashes and injuries, as the NHTSA recently reported that they could not track all police car accidents. The number could be much higher.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!