So what actually defines as a Fire Truck? A fire engine (also known in some territories as a fire truck or fire appliance) is a vehicle designed primarily for firefighting operations. The terms “fire engine” and “fire truck” are often used interchangeably; in some fire departments/fire services they refer to separate and specific types of vehicle.
Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for on-duty firefighters. Firetruck crashes, occurring at a rate of around 30,000 crashes per year, have potentially serious outcomes for the vehicle occupants and for the community if the firetruck was traveling to an emergency call.
With this being said there has been a nationwide increase in fire truck accidents. The law does give responding emergency vehicles using lights and sirens, right of way over all other vehicles. Pretty much stating, if a fire truck is responding to a call, get out of the way. However, emergency vehicles should not drive in a reckless manner, speed to where it endangers the public or drive through traffic signals without exercising caution.
Fire trucks definitely pose a greater risk of accidents that result in injuries because of several factors. For starters they are very heavy, especially those that are filled with thousands of gallons of water, making them difficult to control. Secondly, they are often traveling over the speed limit on crowded city streets. Even with their flashing lights, horns, and sirens blaring, they still can suddenly appear in the path of other vehicles. Newer vehicles have excellent soundproofing coupled with surrounding sound systems that make an approaching emergency vehicle difficult to hear until it is very close. Then consider the possibility of the other vehicle driver being distracted by texting, talking, or some other activity. Even with fire truck drivers exceeding the speed limit to reach an emergency they are still required to slow down at intersections and make sure they have a clear path. To assume the driver of a passenger vehicle sees the fire engine and will stop, can be a critical error on the part of the fire truck driver, leading to a wreck.
Another interesting piece of information is that firefighters riding on the truck can easily be injured. Often times they are seated without restraints or standing with only their grip to hold them in place. Any sudden impact can cause the rider to be catapulted from their position. 66% of all fatal fire truck crashes involve rollovers. Unsecured equipment and apparatus such as hoses and ladders can cause serious injuries as well if they become loose while the truck is moving. Fire truck accidents are the second leading cause of on-the-job deaths for firefighters per data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA).
Reach out to our skilled attorneys after fire truck accidents in Houston.