Vehicle Operations

pitch

occurs during acceleration or braking and causes the transfer of a vehicles weight from front to rear or rear to front.

roll

occurs when turning. this shifts the vehicles weight from side to side.

PSI

pounds per square inch. ensures tires are inflated at or above the manufacturer's recommended level. Can be found on the door jam.

incipient skid

Happens just before the tires lose traction during braking. The tires lock, causing loss of steering control and a skid.

"one thousand one, one thousand two"

How should you count the seconds during the two or four second rule?

with a firm yet relaxed grip. Your right hand should be at the 4 o'clock position and your left hand at the 8 o'clock position.

How should you hold a steering wheel ?

soft objects(bushes, small trees, or fences) objects moving in the same direction (including another vehicle) a fixed object (tree, sign, parked car)

If an oncoming vehicle forces you off the road, you can potentially reduce the chances of injury by attempting to select what to hit. List them from least dangerous to most dangerous

wheel tracking

causes the rear wheels to follow a tighter path than the path the front wheels traveled in a turn.

apex

center point of any curve. This technique is how the vehicle is steered in relation to a curve's apex while maintaining your lane.

caster effect

the tendency for a vehicle traveling forward to straighten from a turn when the driver releases the steering wheel. Does not apply when driving in reverse.

yaw

the transfer of a vehicle's weight causing an end-for-end motion resulting in the vehicle turning 180 degrees on a horizontal plane.

roadblock

the use of vehicles, barricades, cones, or other objects to block traffic flow partially or completely. Its purpose is to demonstrate overwhelming police superiority and position so that the violator will stop and surrender.

Pursuit immobilization Technique

used to stop a violators vehicle by using the police vehicle to apply force to either the rear right or left side of the violator's vehicle to end the pursuit.

-reducing speed and not looking directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles -looking off to the shoulder of the roadway to protect night vision while using the white line at the edge of the road for guidance -dimming the headlights for oncoming traffic to reduce glare and protect the night vision of other drivers -using low beams while driving in fog or smoke during the day or at night, which limits the amount of glare reflected back at the driver -reducing glare by controlling all interior lights

5 Techniques to help improve your vision while driving at night and to react properly to oncoming vehicular traffic:

increasing radius

A turn that gets wider during the turn much like a circle getting larger.

constant radius

A turn that remains the same throughout, getting neither wider nor smaller. Could be a 90 degree turn.

night vision

Ability to see clearly in darkness.

-park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter -proceed past a red or stop signal, or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation. -exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life or property. -disregard regulations governing direction or movement or turning in specified directions so long as the driver does not endanger life or property.

According to 316.072, a driver operating in emergency mode may do the following:

pursuit

An active attempt, by driving an authorized emergency vehicle, to apprehend occupants of a moving vehicle if the driver of such occupants' vehicle increases vehicle speed, takes other evasive actions, or refuses to stop in an apparent attempt to avoid apprehension.

The officers may be liable if their actions were sufficient to "shock the conscience" of the Court. To "shock the conscience" under the conditions of a high-speed pursuit, the officer must have intended to cause harm to the violator without justification for the use of deadly force. Also came up with the balancing test.

County of Sacramento V Lewis

transfers in the direction the vehicle is traveling - forward or backward. This affects the distance it takes to stop the vehicle.

As the driver applies the brakes, weight ______.

Loss of visual cues

At night, it is easy to lose many visual cues that are available during the day, which lowers the ability to judge distance and the speed of oncoming traffic.

field of vision

At night, peripheral vision decreases. Less light narrows the field of vision.

U.S Supreme court stated that an officer has no duty to guarantee a person's safety unless a SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP exists between the police and that person. After police restrict the person's freedom of movement, they assume responsibility for that person's safety and must keep the person reasonably free from harm.

DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services

Held that certain pursuit tactics might result in a claim of a constitutional violation as a seizure by deadly force. Court was concerned with the use of deadly force to apprehend a person for committing a non-dangerous crime and drew a distinction between the act of pursuing and the act of blocking or seizing a person. The court took the position that deadly force should not be used to apprehend citizens for minor offenses such as traffic violations.

Brower v County of Inyo

-hollow spikes that puncture a vehicle's tire and allow air to be released, causing the tire to deflate -Track or mat base -some form of deployment

Characteristics that all tire deflation devices share:

Law enforcement has a duty to protect the public when choosing to continue a pursuit. Any police decision to start or continue a pursuit is subject to court review under the doctrine of negligence, not just as a use of force under the 4th Amendment. Do more than just lights and sirens to warn the public.

City of Pinellas Park v Brown

-higher than normal rates of speed -driving during emergency responses -traveling with other responding units -inclement weather -fog -smoke -oncoming headlights -streetlights -hazards and debris -construction areas

Events and situations that call for the four-second rule?

overdriving of vehicle headlights reaction distance field of vision loss of visual cues glare emergency lights

Factors that including driving performance at night:

sideswipes right-angle collisions at intersections collision with fixed objects accidents caused by improper backing head-on collisions rear-end collisions

Frequently occurring crashes include:

glare

Glare from oncoming vehicles or other outside sources can temporarily blind a driver. When driving at night, human eyes adjust to the lack of light and use night vision. When light suddenly changes, eyes need time to adjust.

Watch the vehicle traveling in the same direction in front of you as it passes a fixed point, then count off the seconds it takes the patrol vehicle to reach the same fixed point. If the patrol vehicle reaches or passes the fixed point before counting the two seconds, choose another fixed point and count again.

How do you follow the principles of the two-second rule?

1. Press the brake with the right foot while shifting the transmission into reverse 2. Turn the upper body to the right, placing the right arm on the top of the upper portion of the passenger seat. 3. Look through the rear window; scan the area behind the vehicle 4. Place the left hand in the 12 o'clock position, and, with upper body turned, release the brake, and slowly accelerate. 5. Back the vehicle while steering, using the left hand and a smooth motion. 6. When driving in reverse, consider the option of using mirrors. 7. Except in an emergency, always back slowly.

How do you proper perform backing up?

-Making sure all equipment is stowed and properly secured. -Always check seats for tears or other damage. -Check under the back seat for possible weapons or contraband a suspect may have left. -Check seat belts for fraying and binding and make sure the clasps lock properly -Test headlights, interior lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers -Check rear view mirror to see if it is securely attached or if it is cracked or broken -Test communications to make sure your transmissions can be made and received. -Make sure windows and door locks operate properly -Observe gauges for visible damage -Test emergency equipment -Start the vehicle and be aware of any unusual sound, smells, or other indicators that may warrant further inspection of the vehicle.

Inspection of the interior of your vehicle should include:

must approach intersections correctly, yielding or stopping when the situation warrants to ensure that you adhere to due regard for the safety of other when requesting right-of-way. Make eye contact with other drivers at intersections Maintain proper following distances from privately owned vehicles Always offset your vehicle to the left of the available roadway but within your lane Always keep in contact with the dispatcher and other responding units

Instructions to follow even while driving in emergency mode:

hours of darkness

More than half of all fatal crashes occur during __.

incipient spin

Occurs just before the drive tires lose traction during acceleration. (the drive tires are the front tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle or rear tires on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.)

eye-targeting

Optical driving is looking in the desired direction of travel to avoid an obstacle and to avoid steering in the direction of the obstacle.

lose traction / skid out of control.

Rain can cause your vehicle to ____ and ___.

reaction distance

Reaction time remains the same whether driving during the day or night. However, lack of light increases the time required to initially observe a hazard.

psychological and physiological

Responding in emergency mode can cause __ and __ reactions

pedestrians crossing at unlikely points bicyclist, motorcyclists, skateboarders, and roller-skaters, falling in the middle of the road. animals that get into the road improperly parked vehicles vehicles that suddenly pull into traffic roadway obstructions surface flaws or damage debris or fluid

Road hazards that you may frequently encounter

"Whether or not an officer's actions constituted application of deadly force, all that matters is whether or not their actions is reasonable. Does not give the green light for an "Anything goes" approach to pursuits. However, injury to the fleeing driver will generally not be considered to be the result of unreasonable force.

Scott v Harris

To turn left, move the left hand into the 12 o'clock position at the top of the steering wheel and pull the steering wheel down in a smooth motion into a left turn: 1. Simultaneously maintain contact with the steering wheel with the right hand, and slide the right hand into the 6 o'clock position. 2. Continue to turn as the hands meet at the 6 o'clock position by gripping with the right hand and loosening the left hand while maintaining contact with the steering wheel with the left hand. Shuffle the wheel from hand to hand, rotating the right hand up toward the 12 o'clock position. 3. Simultaneously maintain contact with the steering wheel with the left hand, and slide the left hand into the 12 o'clock position. 4. Make sure that neither hand crosses the steering wheel's top (12 o'clock position) or bottom (6 o'clock position). The leftt hand stays on the right side of the wheel; the right hand stays on the right side of the wheel.

Shuffle steering / to the left

To turn right, move the right hand into the 12 o'clock position at the top of the steering wheel and pull the steering wheel down in a smooth motion into a right turn: 1. Simultaneously maintain contact with the steering wheel with the left hand, and slide the left hand into the 6 o'clock position. 2. Continue to turn as the hands meet at the 6 o'clock position by gripping with the left hand and loosening the right hand while maintaining contact with the steering wheel with the right hand. Shuffle the wheel from hand to hand, rotating the left hand up toward the 12 o'clock position. 3. Simultaneously maintain contact with the steering wheel with the right hand, and slide the right hand into the 12 o'clock posiiton. 4. Make sure that neither hand crosses the steering wheel's top (12 o'clock position) or bottom (6 o'clock position). The right hand stays on the right side of the wheel; the left hand stays on the left side of the wheel.

Shuffle steering / to the right

-Acuity -Depth perception -Peripheral vision -Color vision -Night vision

What components of vision may affect the ability to operate and control a vehicle?

False. Should be stored across the width of the trunk. (side to side)

T/F Long and protruding equipment should face front to back when stored in your trunk.

True. It is caused by the extreme heat from a catalytic converter.

T/F You can start a fire if you leave your vehicle on over grassy area for an extended period of time.

requires that the driver and anyone 18 or older who is a passenger in the front seat must be restrained by a safety belt. Anyone younger than 18 must be restrained by a safety belt or by a child restraint device anywhere in the motor vehicle.

The Florida Safety Belt Law 316.614

An inspection form

What do most agencies provide that all officers are required to complete when they use an agency vehicle?

centrifugal force

The force enacted on a vehicle moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation.

centripetal force

The force that is necessary to keep a vehicle moving in a curved path and is directed inward toward the center of rotation.

backing into a fixed object.

The majority of law enforcement vehicle crashes are a result of ___

overdriving of vehicle headlights

The most common night driving error. Vehicle headlights should reveal a person 450 feet away with high beams and a distance of 150 ft with low beams. When increasing speed, you may not be able to stop your vehicle within the visible area that the vehicles headlights create.

oversteer

The tendency of a vehicle to steer into a sharper turn than the driver intends, sometimes with a loss of traction of the rear to the outside. Generally occurs at higher speeds when the rear tires lose traction and excessive braking occurs in a turn or curve.

understeer

The tendency of a vehicle to turn less sharply than the driver intends. May be a combination of excessive speed, lack of traction on the steering tires, and improper braking in a turn or curve. A combination of two or more of these errors can cause you to lose control.

centripetal and centrifugal.

The two forces that act upon a vehicle as it turns a corner.

the friction a vehicle's tires create on the road surface.

Traction is the result of __

Communications and emergency equipment.

What are the two things installed in an emergency vehicle that puts tremendous strain on the battery?

A blowout and should be observed and addressed.

What can a cut in a tire cause?

It may hydroplane, slide, or skid.

What can happen when a vehicle rides on top of water?

The vehicle may have a steering or tire problem

What can possibly be the problem if you feel the steering wheel vibrating excessively?

The vehicle may have an alignment problem.

What can possibly be the problem is you feel that wheel pull in one direction?

counter steering

Turn the vehicle's front tires in the direction you want to go to retrain traction.

eat smaller meals throughout the day, getting enough rest, and sleep before a shift.

What adjustments should you make to be more alert during your shirt?

Construction areas, other vehicles, intersection debris, fluids, wet surfaces, and standing water.

What are some hazardous road surface abnormalities that you may encounter?

Hoses, wires, and belts

What are the 3 things that are essential for safe operation of the vehicle and should be inspected each day before operating the vehicle?

-engine oil -transmission fluid -brake fluid -power steering fluid -coolant reservoir -windshield washer fluid

What are the fluid levels that you should check?

1. Position the foot properly; rest the right heel at the base of the accelerator. 2. Rest the ball of the right foot squarely on the accelerator pedal. 3. With the ball of the right foot, apply pressure to the accelerator, pressing it down. 4. Apply smooth consistent pressure to the accelerator until the desired acceleration rate has been reached. 5. Apply proper pressure without losing traction and passing the point of incipient spin. 6. Release the pressure on the pedal as needed to control loss of traction or decrease the acceleration rate.

What are the steps that explain the proper technique for accelerating a vehicle while avoiding loss of traction and controlling weight transfer:

early, center, or late.

What are the three types of apexing techinques?

-Scratched paint that may be the result of contact with an object or intentional damage -dents that are more obvious signs of contact with another object, perhaps a vehicle -missing or broken light covers that can present a hazard to other drives and may be a traffic violation -damaged emergency equipment, such as a siren, light bar, or other emergency lights that could prevent operating the vehicle in emergency mode-- watch for malfunctioning equipment so it can be repaired before use -broken or cracked glass that could injure you and impair vision -broken or cracked mirrors that could impair vision -a dirty windshield that could impair observation ability -foreign objects such as tree limbs and road debris trapped under the vehicle, that could cause serious problems if they strike one of the vehicle's moving parts -foreign objects on the undercarriage other than natural objects or road debris, which means a potentially harmful device, such as an explosive. -fluid leaks visible on the ground under the vehicle.

What do you check during an exterior vehicle inspection?

Do not remove it. Take it to dealer/maintenance.

What do you do if you find a foreign object in the tire?

try to strike it at a slight angle with free rolling tires

What do you do when you cannot avoid striking or driving over an obstacle?

slow down and try to avoid driving over or through the hazard.

What do you do when you see fluid on the road?

1. Remove the foot from the gas pedal to stop accelerating. 2. Do not apply the brakes. This may lock the wheels and make the skid or slide worse. The only way to recover is to regain traction. 3. Use counter steering.

What do you have to do to recover and avoid a secondary skid or slide?

"Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 ft and of a type approved by the department, but such siren, whistle, or bell shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which event the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren, whistle, or bell when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof."

What does 316.271 state in regards to what an emergency vehicle should be equipped with?

a minimum safe following distance for all vehicles and provides space and time for the driver to react to potential hazards. Applies at the posted speed limit when weather and road conditions are good.

What does the two-second rule establish?

proper braking

What is an important element of negotiating a turn?

What officers must consider when deciding to engage in, continue, or terminate a pursuit. "A police officer in deciding to give chase must balance on one hand the need to stop a suspect and show that flight from the law is no way to freedom, and, on the other, the high-speed threat to everyone within stopping range, be they suspects, their passengers, other drivers, or bystanders."

What is the "balancing test?"

to remove the foot from the accelerator and/or brake, steer the car where desired (when the front tires have not lost traction), refrain from applying the brakes, and, if necessary, steer the car to a safe place and stop.

What is the correction for oversteer?

To remove the foot from the accelerator, maintain steering input but not apply brakes. if necessary, steer the car to a safe place and stop.

What is the correction for understeer?

The odor of bitter smoke

What is the first sign of a grass fire?

to apprehend a fleeing violator.

What is the goal of a pursuit?

concrete (nonporous), asphalt (porous), clay, dirt, gravel, or brick roadways.

What kind of surfaces might you encounter while you're driving?

Florida Law

What laws do we follow for driving in emergency mode?

90 - 95 %

What percentage does vision supply incoming data to a driver and helps with detecting and avoiding hazard?

intersections

What represents the single greatest threat to safe vehicle operation?

a spare tire, vehicle jack, tire tool, and assorted equipment for use on duty.

What should be inside of your vehicles trunk?

fraying, cuts, cracks, and gouges.

What should belts be checked for?

dry rot, cracks, holes, bulges, and leaks.

What should hoses be checked for?

fraying, corrosion, cracked or missing insulation, and exposure.

What should wires be checked for?

uneven wear that may result from improper balance or alignment, over inflation, or under inflation.

What should you check for on a tire?

Check for dents, cracks, or damage to the bead.

What should you check on the rim?

Pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location and notify dispatch, and follow agency policy and procedures.

What should you do if you determine that a safety hazard exists?

stress, emotions, fatigue, and frequent shift changes. Prescription and over the counter medication can result in inattention, loss of control, and even crashes. Medical conditions such as high bp, diabetes, heart conditions, and epilepsy.

What temporary factors can weaken a driver's observation skills?

rear tire fails

When a ____, the vehicle may also lose traction and pull in an unpredictable direction.

front tire fails

When a _____, the vehicle may lose traction. You may have difficulty steering, feel vibration in the steering wheel, and feel the vehicle pulling in the direction of the affected tire.

late apexing technique

When the vehicle is steered so it passes closest to the inside of the curve after reaching the apex. This decreases centrifugal force, reducing the potential for loss of control. The best cornering or turning method. Allows the most room for driver error.

transfers toward the tires on the outside of the turn. The front outside wheel carries the most weight, while the rear wheel on the outside of the turn carries less, followed by the front wheel on the inside of the turn, and, finally, the rear wheel on the inside of the turn.

When a vehicle turns a corner, weight ____

emergency lights

When driving in emergency mode, emergency lights can increase the amount of glare encountered. The high intersity of the emergency lights easily reflects off objects.

1. Rotate the right foot from the accelerator to the brake while leaving the heel on the floor. 2. Please the ball of the right foot on the center of the brake pedal. 3. Apply increasing pressure to the brake petal. 4. Increase pressure on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance.

When practicing and demonstrating proper braking, do the following:

If you cannot avoid hitting a fixed object or on an oncoming vehicle

When should hit an object with the side of the vehicle rather than head on, glancing off the object or vehicle?

rolling friction

When the tires constantly rotate on the road surface without losing contact.

By applying the brake to verify that they work, check the steering, and look for smoke or signs of an engine fire.

When you are driving and sense that something is a safety concern, how should you handle it?

Visually scan the surrounds to help you locate the source and direction of the sound

When you are unsure of where a noise is coming from, you can ___.

Drive away and call for additional resources to investigate.

When you cant identify an unusual odor as smoke, gasoline, or propane, what should you do?

the water reaches an area on the tire that may cause mechanical malfunctions.

When you drive through water that makes the tires immersed more than halfway, what happens?

to the side of the vehicle, not in front of it.

Where should you stand when looking under a vehicle to check for leaks that may not be apparent when the engine is not running?

By the respective department or the chief of police of an incorporated city or any sheriff of any of the various counties.

Who designates an authorized emergency vehicle?

It can cause the vehicle to flip or cross several traffic lanes. Instead you should decelerate and steer as straight as distance allows. After reducing speed, firmly grip the wheel and steer smoothly and steadily back onto the roadway.

Why cant you attempt to return to a paved surface by abruptly turning the steering wheel?

It helps you hear and see hazardous situations, such as people who need help, crimes in progress, or suspicious activity. Also helps alert you to other emergency vehicles.

Why is driving with the window down beneficial?

Because officers may experience psychological and physiological effects.

Why is responding in emergency mode or pursuing a vehicle among the most dangerous driving situations?

It provides quicker response, reduces fatigue, and reduces injury if the air bag deploys.

Why is the 4/8 hand position good?

brake / steer

You should always __ brake before turning and then ___ into the turn.

areas that provide a clear view of the roadblock from both sides and highways, street, or roads.

appropriate locations for roadblocks

center apexing technique

___ is when the vehicle is steered closest to the middle of the curve.

early apexing technique.

____ is when the vehicle is steered so it is closest to the inside of the curve before reaching the apex. This increases centrifugal force and can cause loss of control.

driving in reverse

____ requires less steering input to produce a larger change in direction.

Environmental and physical conditions, alertness, and aging. Vehicle speed and the glare from the sun or other light sources Window tints

_____ are factors that affect vision

weight transfer and distribution

_____ occurs when the vehicle's speed changes and influence the vehicle's handling ability. This is distributed only where the tires contact the surface.

Inspecting the vehicle's battery

_____ should include: -checking terminal connections -water level -signs of damage to the exterior

stable vehicle/ unstable vehicle.

a _____ does not pitch and roll as easily as a ____.

decreasing radius

a turn that gets tighter during the turn much like a cricle getting smaller.

military humvee

a vehicle with a wider tracking width, like a ____, is more stable.

color vision

ability to distinguish colors

depth perception

ability to judge distance and perceive space to determine how far away an object is

peripheral vision

ability to see above, below, and to the sides (a person who is in a stationary vehicle and who has good peripheral vision can see about 180 degrees from side to side)

anti-lock braking system

enhancement to the conventional braking system. Is now standard equipment on vehicles. This type of motor vehicle braking system electronically prevents the wheels from locking by rapidly applying and releasing the brake while allowing the drier to remain in control of the steering.

weight transfer

equipment and passenger loads affect _____ and could change a police vehicle's stability.

these effects are the measurable changes to normal body functions. These include tunnel vision, selective hearing, increased heart rate, time distortion, and loss of spatial awareness or fine motor skills.

examples of physiological stresses from responding in emergency mode

may cause you to exceed your ability or your vehicle's ability in trying to catch the violator at any cost or get there before anyone else.

examples of psychological stresses from responding in emergency mode

Same as the two-second rule, except should be used under poor road conditions or in bad weather.

four-second rule

Laws of Motion. Every object continues in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless physical forces compel it to change that state. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on that object and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

if you understand the _____, you can better understand the forces action on a stopped or moving vehicle.

include locations over the crest of a hill and locations in, on, or around a curve. Never select a location where the violator has no warning that the crash may occur, unless the use of deadly force is necessary.

inappropriate locations for roadblocks

slide

results from loss of both rolling friction and traction. The wheels still rotate, but they do not control the vehicle's movement.

skid

results when the wheels lock and do no turn while the vehicle is moving. Weight transfer and centrifugal force can also influence this.

acuity

sharpness of vision

rear / front

the ___ brakes, which handle a great amount of weight transfer while driving in reverse, are not as efficient as the ___ brakes.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration handbook "Countermeasures That Work"

the ________ provides to following tips that you should follow to prevent accidents: -Learn to recognize driving situations that can be hazardous. -Assume other drivers will make errors. -Adjust speed, position, direction, and attention to be able to maneuver safely if a hazard develops. -Scan far enough ahead to be able to react safely to approaching situations. -Scan frequently to the side and rear for passing or approaching vehicles. -Scan thoroughly before changing speed or direction.

low and centered. formula one or indy race cars.

the center of gravity on the most stable vehicle is ___

radius

the distance from the center of the circle to the outside. A turn or curve is a portion of a circle.

lower its stability. Trucks and SUV's

the higher a vehicles center of gravity, the ____

uncontrolled oscillation

what can large or quick steering movements cause?

four 6 inch squares that tires of most law enforcement vehicles rest on.

what is also known as the tire contact patch?

report the details of the pursuit to the agency.

when you are involved in a pursuit. prompty ___

because of their narrow tracking width.

why are trucks and suv's less stable?