Four Common Causes of Ambulance Crashes
The last thing you expect from an ambulance is for it to get into an automobile accident, but the chances of an ambulance crash are as much as the chances of any other automobile incident. In many cases, these accidents can be avoided, which is one reason why Techway Automotive is going to list the four common causes of ambulance crashes below. This helps you ensure your fleet of emergency vehicles and their drivers avoid incidents whether heading to or leaving the emergency scenes.
Speeding is a common cause of all automobile accidents, and many ambulance drivers may let their adrenaline get the better of them and put the pedal to the metal when they have a serious patient in the back. The patient’s life is in their hands, so it’s understandable that they are rushing to the hospital. Nonetheless, it’s crucial that ambulance drivers obey speed limit laws to avoid increasing their chances of getting into an accident.
2. Driver Fatigue
Ambulance shifts are long. Many times, the EMTs and paramedics have been on duty for 12 to 24 hours. This can cause driver fatigue which can cause an ambulance accident. It’s important for the ambulance drivers to ensure they remain alert behind the wheel, even if they have been on duty all night. Catnaps here and there can help refresh the drivers so they do not lose their crucial motor skills while the ambulance is in operation.
3. Other Automobiles
Some people refuse to get out of an ambulance’s way despite the fact that it is illegal to do so. Many times, ambulance drivers are forced to weave in and out of traffic in their efforts to get their patients to the emergency rooms as soon as humanly possible. This weaving can cause an accident no matter what you’re driving. If people refuse to pull over to allow the ambulance by, they, too, become common causes of ambulance accidents.
4. Mechanical Failure
Finally, the rigs themselves can cause accidents if they are not well maintained. It’s crucial to ensure your fleet of emergency vehicles is always in their best shapes possible to ensure they don’t become a danger on the road, especially ambulances that carry patients as passengers. Brake system failure, loss of vehicle control due to bald tires, steering problems, and many other automotive issues that cause accidents can be avoided with preventative maintenance.
Techway Automotive in Dothan, AL, or Blakely, GA, services and repairs emergency vehicles. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your fleet.