NCJ Number
147111
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 41 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 90-94
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article stresses the need for police officers to apply basic defensive driving tenets to emergency response situations.
Abstract
The first factor to consider is speed, whether increased speed actually reduces the time needed to respond to an emergency, and whether the seriousness of the situation warrants using speed that many endanger the lives of innocent bystanders as well as the officers. Officers who drive police vehicles need to consider various driving conditions, particularly when they drive at high speeds; these conditions include the weather, traffic flow, the officer's need for prescription medications or glasses, and age. Even when using flashing lights and sirens, officers must expect that some other drivers will do the unexpected, by pulling out in front of them, failing to yield, and crossing lane traffic. Officers should always wear their safety belts, and finally, should avoid pursuit driving when at all possible.