Defensive Driving
Average reaction time
1.5 sec
Emergency response
A situation that requires an immediate law enforcement response for the protection of life or property.
Vehicle pursuit
An event involving one or more law enforcement officers attempting to apprehend a suspect operating a motor vehicle while attempting to avoid arrest by using high speed driving or other evasive tactics, such as driving off a highway, turning suddenly, or driving in a legal manner but willfully failing to yield to the officers signal to stop.
How to properly clear an intersection
Change tone, slow down, look left, right, left
Defensive driving
Driving in a manner that avoids collisions at all times regardless of who has the right of way, whether in normal conditions, "Code 3", or pursuit operations
Situations where Code 3 would be appropriate
Any life threatening situation
Serious crime in progress
Peace officer needs assistance
Traffic collision involving major injuries
Fire
Balance Test
If the threat to public safety is greater than the need for apprehending the suspect, then the pursuit should not be initiated or it should be terminated.
Air support purpose
To reduce the potential danger to peace officers and the public.
Characteristics of a defensive driver
1) View safe driving as a personal responsibility.
2) Recognize the dangers involved in driving a law enforcement vehicle.
3) Drive at a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
4) Yield the right-of-way when necessary.
5) Make good and safe choices while driving.
Peace officers fail to exercise due regard if:
1) They violate a statute, ordinance, or regulation of their agency
2) The violation causes death, injury, or property damage
Consideration's of the balance test
1) Agency policy
2) Condition of the vehicle
3) Condition of the driver
4) Roadway conditions
5) Traffic Conditions
6) Weather conditions
Communication
Unit identification
Location of pursuit
License plate number/description of the suspect vehicle
Reason for the pursuit
Number of occupants
Continuous updates on location, speed, and traffic conditions
Any additional important information