Complete 100% stop at intersections?

[nnymilfire]

What is everyones opinion and department policy on coming to a complete 100% stop at all red lights and stop signs?

[Engine305]

We have 2 red lights in our sister companies district. I personally stop at them on red under all conditions. When the entire intersection stops for me, I carefully move through. Always!!!! Stop signs too.......

[BoxAlarm187]

Department policy states when can proceed through a controlled intersection at not more than 10MPH while using due regard.

[fireslayer123]

What is everyones opinion and department policy on coming to a complete 100% stop at all red lights and stop signs?

I only come to a complete stop if there are no cars blocking a lane for me.
If it is two lanes each way, and both lanes have cars that are stopped and looking at me, I roll the stop. I don't EVER blow a red light or stop sign. I make sure that I have eye contact with the first car in each lane or I will come to a complete stop as far into the intersection as I can get away with. I figure that if I am into the intersection a bit then I am move visible.
I really don't give a rats butt If I am not given the right of way. There are just times that people just don't hear or see me. Deaf people can't hear my siren so it doesn't pay to get worked up when someone doesn't yield. We are talking seconds vs. an accident where someone may get killed.

I never never never challenge traffic. They will move when they see me. I don't want them going home thinking that a fire engine almost hit them.

[fireman4949]

I hear that some people even stop at green lights.

[KenNFD1219]

FD policy is complete stops at red lights and stop signs and wait until opposing traffic stops or yields right-of-way.

I drive an FD issued Crown Vic and get strange looks by people when I stop at intersections when responding. It seems some other drivers expect me to blow the red lights, just like some of the cops and the local ambulance drivers do

[THEFIRENUT]

I hear that some people even stop at green lights.

And for Unicorns!!!

[nmfire]

I only come to a complete stop if there are no cars blocking a lane for me. If it is two lanes each way, and both lanes have cars that are stopped and looking at me, I roll the stop. I don't EVER blow a red light or stop sign. I make sure that I have eye contact with the first car in each lane or I will come to a complete stop as far into the intersection as I can get away with. I figure that if I am into the intersection a bit then I am move visible.

If only more people thought like this....

[Eng34FF]

I handle intersections much like fireslayer. The other things that I take into account are the visability at the intersection, the time of day, and the speed of traffic crossing the intersection. I have a good idea which intersections I can roll through and which ones I need to stop at.

I've had similar instances as KenNFD, where people seem confused when I stop at an intersection to make sure everybody sees me and is stopping.

[rfdmn09]

Fortunately, my dept received a grant 4 years ago for opticoms on our apparatus and the 4 traffic lights we have. As we travel down "Main St" we have 2 stop signs that some pretty much blow through. I slow down to less than 10 mph and proceed once I see a clear intersection. I have been told by many of the officers that I don't have to slow down so much. I then bring up the "due regard" and they just walk away. We are in a transition period of "old school" and "new school" and things are very interesting.

[Gnufsh]

What is everyones opinion and department policy on coming to a complete 100% stop at all red lights and stop signs?

We don't have stop lights where I live, I do stop at stop signs though.

[J1991DB]

you should have to stop 100% then proceede. Not all drivers are smart.

[Weruj1]

if the intersection is CLEAR then go through ....................if in doubt STOP !

[CooterRob]

YES... if we don't... we get our driving privileges taken away for 2 weeks and get sent to a driving course.

[lcfd3610]

Stop at the intersection even if it is green, then proceed with caution. Red lights and sirens guarantee nothing.

[neversaydie69]

ask the driver in baltimore he'll give you the best answer. not trying to start $hit. stop 100% of the time.

[FFFRED]

What is everyones opinion and department policy on coming to a complete 100% stop at all red lights and stop signs?

We had it as policy to come to a complete stop and they changed it to slow down as long as it is safe. Had alot to do with politics and lawsuits...and most of all response times.

FTM-PTB

[volfirie]

And here's one from another country - Australia

In my State - Victoria, the law gives us exemptions from obeying the rules if:
"In the circumstances -
1. the driver is taking reasonable care; and
2. it is reasonable that the rule should not apply"
Now, try to explain in court that it was 'reasonable' to disregard the rule, when somebody has died...

My organisation tops that with an SOP that tells us we must not "approach or enter an intersection unless" we are "able to give way and, if necessary, stop the vehicle to avoid a collision". I take those things as meaning we can, when travelling under lights and sirens, stop at a red light (or stop sign) and proceed when it is SAFE to do so. Better to arrive late, than not at all.

[PureAdrenalin]

Here is another beautiful example of "red light ricky's"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6fmT9WjnDw

This is beyond unnaceptable...look at how long the light was green in the opposing direction, I'm pretty sure the engineer never touched the brakes either.

[KenNFD1219]

Stop at the intersection even if it is green, then proceed with caution. Red lights and sirens guarantee nothing.

Stopping are green lights is a dangerous practice. Anytime you do something unexpected by other drivers, you are risking an accident. Are you by any chance in LaFireEducators FD?

You should always proceed with caution, regardless if you are responding or going out for fuel.