NIOSH has released investigative reports involving two separate crashes that claimed the lives of the firefighters behind the wheel.
Failure to wear a seat belt was cited as a contributing factor in the death of Shane M. Stewart, 33, of the Ault-Pierce Fire Department in Ault, Colo.
Investigators probing a collision that claimed Sudlersville, Md. Chief Charles F. Clough said speed and the wet highway were among factors in the wreck.
In the Colorado incident, Capt. Stewart was ejected as the 1995 engine tanker rolled onto its top. Authorities noted that the 2,000-gal. tank was full when the crash occurred.
On Feb. 23, 2008, he was responding to establish a landing zone for a helicopter when the rig veered off the road. NIOSH investigators said in addition to not being buckled up, Stewart failed to maintain control of the apparatus.
The location of the radio in the cab also was mentioned as a contributing factor. During an experiment after the crash, the chief, who was taller than Stewart, was not able to reach the radio while buckled up.
The radio was still on the dispatch channel indicating he had not switched over to the operations channel as assigned.
NIOSH officials recommended: "If apparatus drivers will be routinely called upon to respond solo to incidents, departments should ensure that all controls and switches that are expected to be operated by the driver while the apparatus is in motion, are within safe reach for the driver and should consider purchasing hands-free communication devices suitable to the department's specific needs."
In the Maryland investigation, NIOSH officials noted the chief swerved his 2000 Ford F350 pick-up truck to maneuver around to avoid striking a car. That sent his vehicle into a sideways skid down the road.
It veered off the road, and hit a tree.
Clough, who was responding to a small appliance fire in a house, suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt. NIOSH noted that in addition to excessive speed for the wet conditions, factors also involved included operating the vehicle without the siren and the obstructed view at the intersection.
Among their recommendations:
- Aim high in steering: Find a safe path well ahead.
- Get the big picture: Stay back and see it all.
- Keep your eyes moving: Scan – do no stare.
- Leave yourself an out: Do not expect other drivers to leave you an out. Be prepared by expecting the unexpected.
- Make sure that others can see and hear you: Use lights, horn, and signals in combination.
