As a police officer, driving is your number one risk, so it’s a crucial skill that officers use daily. However, driving poorly also can land you in hot water if not done properly. Here are 10 things every officer needs to know about emergency driving.

1. Prison for cops?

If you track the news, it’s not uncommon to hear about an officer driving extremely fast and getting into a crash while responding to an emergency call. Here’s the thing: even when officers use their lights and sirens, if they get into a crash and the courts determine they were not driving with “due regard,” they can still face legal charges. Many officers have been incarcerated simply for trying to get to an emergency situation quickly. However, officers must understand that this isn’t Monopoly — there is no “get out of jail free” card for driving beyond your capabilities to an emergency call. I don’t know about you, but being incarcerated with hardened prisoners is about the last place a police officer wants to be. Emergencies do not excuse us from the legal standard of driving with due regard.

2. If things go wrong

When things go wrong during a police emergency vehicle response, the expectation is likely that the officer is going to be scrutinized. The media will cover the story in a way that won’t be favorable to the officer, influencing public perception. The agency will review extremely long and detailed policies and procedures, looking at the officer’s actions, which could include violations of POST standards, policies and laws, potentially leading to many undesirable outcomes. Listen, some departments are better than others, but after a crash, most will follow their policies and procedures and prioritize the department’s best interest. As such, know your policies and procedures well and follow them.

3. The “gray zone”

Here’s another problem: often, there is what I call the “gray zone” in police policies and procedures. You get those calls from dispatch that you really need to get there quickly, but it doesn’t quite rise to the level of an emergency response. Don’t push your speeds too fast past the speed limit because if something bad happens, you are speeding — even if you’re just going
12 miles over the limit. Still, you don’t have immunity for this,
so don’t risk it by pushing too fast to these calls without lights and sirens activated.

4. Will driving too fast make a difference on the call? Probably not

How much time do you really save when you drive to your full capabilities? Does it make a big difference to how situations turn out? Based on my experience, I would argue rarely. I’m not saying you should go slow to every call, but I am saying you should never drive at 100% because it leaves no room for error. If you drive at 70%, you at least have some wiggle room to avoid a crash. Even if the call is a domestic, rarely will driving there quickly make a difference. Let’s do the math: Driving 2.5 miles at 100 mph takes 1.5 minutes, while driving at 80 mph takes 1.875 minutes. You’re only saving 22.5 seconds. Is that worth the risk? You need to manage your risks. Often, we don’t have a true emergency but only one that we manufacture in our own minds. Listen, the faster you drive, the greater risk you pose to yourself and others.

5. The most likely calls leading to officer wrecks

If another officer calls out needing immediate emergency assistance, this is when officers responding code are most likely to wreck. This makes sense because officers want to get there as soon as possible to help their partner. If, like me, you visit the Officer Down Memorial Page, you’ll see this come up as a significant pattern. Now, if you have an officer in an emergency situation and an officer who gets into a serious vehicle crash on the way, there are two emergency situations, and things just got a whole lot worse. When an officer requests emergency aid, get there quickly, but this request should also serve as a stark reminder to get there safely too.

6. Distractions are not your friend

Distractions are the curse of modern society. Officers are no different. We have computers, radios and cellphones. There is no shortage of videos of officers typing a plate number into their computers while driving and getting in a wreck. Policies and procedures are different when it comes to this, but make sure you know what yours says and follow it. If you choose to utilize your computer while driving, use extreme caution.

7. Training and helpful hints

Here’s the thing: you might have some bad habits even when you’re not driving code. These habits will be amplified when you add more speed to the equation. So always practice safe driving with best practices every day. You should take as much training as possible. When you train, make sure you are clearing intersections well by looking both ways and covering the brakes so you can stop if you need to. Don’t take turns faster than you are comfortable and slow down before the turn. If you don’t know the areas, slow down. Also, wear your vest, because it can help protect you if a crash does occur. On the highway, if you are passing a car while going code and they don’t slow down or pull over, be very cautious. They might be making a left turn right when you pass and may not be able to hear your siren or see your lights.

8. Culture

It seems like every agency has “that guy” who wanted to be a race car driver but ended up a cop. They drive way too fast. Don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them to slow down. Gordon Graham, the co-founder of Lexipol, often says, “If it is predictable, it is preventable.” Seeing a co-worker driving negligently and speaking up to correct them could save many people lots of trouble down the road. Consider this: picture someone who is very close to you, perhaps a family member or significant other. If they were killed by an officer who was driving way beyond their capabilities or the situational need, what would you want to happen?

9. Know your vehicle’s limitations

Every police vehicle handles differently. Knowing the limitations of your specific vehicle is crucial. Can it handle high-speed turns? How does it perform in snowy or wet conditions? Understanding these factors can help you make better decisions during emergency driving. Also, train with the vehicle you will drive on the road. It doesn’t help you to go to EVOC school and drive a completely different vehicle. You wouldn’t qualify with an old revolver and carry a Glock. Don’t train with an old Crown Vic if you are driving a Ford Explorer.

10. Weather matters

Driving conditions can change rapidly. Rain, snow or even a
light drizzle can significantly affect your vehicle’s performance. Always adjust your driving to the weather conditions. Remember, it’s better to arrive a little later than not arrive at all.

Conclusion

Driving is the most dangerous thing we do. Slow down and be safe out there. Remember, you can’t help anyone if you don’t arrive safely at the scene. By understanding these key points, officers can better balance the need for speed with the paramount importance of safety, keeping themselves out
of trouble.