NCJ Number
191129
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 40-42,44-45,46
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses vehicle components that are potentially hazardous to law enforcement officers or other first responders.
Abstract
Some components in today's vehicles have the potential to place a law enforcement officer at risk. These components are not supposed to malfunction, but the potential for them to malfunction after an accident is ever present. These components include: (1) hydraulic and gas struts which, in the case of fire, may explode; (2) batteries, which may rupture, releasing acid and toxic gases; (3) cables and lines, which may become pinched, crimped, or severed, leak fuel and create the potential for fire; (4) airbag systems, which deploy at speeds in excess of 400 miles per hour; (5) pre-tensioners, which may detonate and spread hot gases; and (6) Roll Over Protection Systems, which can cause serious injury or death should they accidentally deploy. To help law enforcement officers protect themselves, the article suggests having new car dealers and rescue instructors address the police organization on function and location of various safety devices and systems and on new vehicle construction. In addition, Holmatro Rescue Tools, in collaboration with Mitchell International Incorporated, produces "The Rescuer's Guide to Vehicle Safety Systems," which describes where safety devices are found on virtually every vehicle manufactured between 1985 and the current model year.