Using the crash reconstruction software and time measurements taken from the video, we can safely assume that this apparatus approached a steady red light and then entered the intersection at approximately 45 mph. As the vehicle crossed through the intersection, it “slowed” to around 35 mph. These facts are based on solid, scientific evidence.
Having calculated the approach speed of the tiller ladder, we can now calculate the distance it would take for the fire apparatus operator to perceive an encroaching vehicle, react to the approaching vehicle, and then skid the apparatus to a complete stop. Assuming a dry asphalt roadway and an air-brake equipped vehicle, it would take the tiller ladder approximately 300 feet to come to a stop once the driver perceived a vehicle crossing his path. 1
Having calculated the required stopping distance for the tiller ladder, we must then examine how this driving behavior relates to the vehicle code in this state. As pointed out by several of the comments made by the keyboard commandos, the Maryland vehicle code does not require that an emergency vehicle come to a complete stop at a red light. Instead, the vehicle code states that an emergency vehicle, while en route to a call, may “pass a red or stop signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign, but only after slowing down as necessary for safety.” 2
So, what does “slowing down as necessary for safety” really mean? In this case, the intersection is approximately 150 feet across. If the tiller ladder approached the intersection at approximately 45 mph, it would require approximately 300 feet to come to a stop. If a vehicle encroached into its path of travel, the ladder truck would travel twice the distance of the intersection before coming to a screeching stop. There is no way an emergency vehicle driver would be able to stop the ladder truck to avoid a vehicle that comes into its path of travel somewhere in the intersection.
At this point, those in support of this type of driving will say “you weren’t there” and “you don’t know what the sight distance was.” Nonsense. This is a large, four-lane intersection with cross traffic and turn lanes. There is no way a reasonable emergency vehicle driver can assume that everyone on the cross street will see the approaching emergency vehicle. Even if there were no obstacles on the corners (such as trees, road signs, etc.), the fact that this is a multilane roadway means there are “built-in” sight obstructions. Have you ever driven next to a large van, tractor trailer, or SUV? If you are traveling in the left lane and there is a large vehicle in the right l