Emergency Vehicle Accidents

Description
Reviews

Author: by Stephen S. Solomon, Paul F. Hill;
Contributors: George L. Ellis, James G. King, Robert J. Simpson, Steven Smyk
ISBN 10: 1-930056-46-X
ISBN 13: 978-1-930056-46-6
Copyright Date Ed: November 8, 2002
Pages: 638 pages
Binding Information: Hardcover
Size: 7 ✕ 10 Inches (US)

What causes emergency vehicle accidents, especially with sirens and flashing lights in use? Where do they most often occur? What can emergency services personnel do to prevent these accidents? And, finally, what laws govern the use of these vehicles?

Stephen Solomon, an optometrist who has studied perceptual issues for over thirty years, has updated Part One of this complete guide to the safety issues surrounding emergency vehicles. You will learn about the problems with flashing lights, sirens, retroreflective tape, and the color of the vehicle. Many of these safety devices are used in a way that limits their effectiveness. Part Two of this book discusses the law of emergency vehicles on emergency runs.

The drivers of police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances have the right to ignore, with due caution and acting without reckless disregard, the rules of the road. This section provides a thorough study of the statutory and case law in the fifty states plus the District of Columbia.

This book is also available as an E-book. E-book price: $49.00 Click here to purchase and download:

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Fluorescent, phosphorescent, and retroreflective materials
Parked emergency vehicles--highway hazards
Emergency services personnel as pedestrians
Pertinent laws and cases
Flashing lights, sirens and audible devices
Why fire vehicle color is an issue of safety
Emergency vehicle accident profiles
The police chase

Emergency Vehicle Accidents: Prevention and Reconstruction, Second Edition
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D. and Paul Hill, Esq.
Contributing Authors: George L. Ellis, M.D., FACEP, James G. King, Robert J. Simpson, Esq., Steven Smyk, Esq.

Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I: Human Factors and Emergency Vehicle Operation

Chapter 1: Introduction
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 2: Construction of Emergency Vehicles
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 3: Anatomy of the Eyes and Visual Performance
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 4: Color Vision
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 5: Flashing Lights
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 6: Sirens and Audible Devices
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 7: Why Fire Vehicle Color Is an Issue of Safety
Stephen S. Solomon and James G. King

Chapter 8: Fluorescent, Phosphorescent and Retroreflective Materials
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 9: Emergency Response and Vehicle Operation
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 10: Medical Control
George L. Ellis, M.D., FACEP

Part II: Accident Reconstruction and Litigation

Chapter 11: Emergency Vehicle Accident Profiles
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 12: Accidents and Litigation--Case Studies
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 13: Accident Analysis Considerations
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 14: The Police Chase
Robert J. Simpson, Esq.

Chapter 15 Emergency Vehicle Accidents: Representing the Innocent Injured Bystander
Steven Smyk, Esq.

Chapter 16: Parked Emergency Vehicles: Highway Hazards
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Chapter 17: Emergency Service Personnel as Pedestrians
Stephen S. Solomon, B.S., O.D.

Part III: Statues and Cases
Paul F. Hill, Esq.
Introductory Essay
State-by-State Brief Summary
State-by-State Statutes and Laws

Part IV: Appendices
Appendix I: Fire Apparatus Specifications-Pumper/Rescue
Appendix II: Revised Federal Specifications for Ambulances
Index to Appendix II
About the Authors
Index

Science & Justice 2000

Anyone responsible for managing emergency vehicles or investigation incidents involving them would find something to think about in this book.

American Fire Journal

Part reference guide, part safety manual, it's easy to read and not too technical for attorneys and accident investigators who might be interested in Solomon's findings. Solomon also shows apparatus drivers how accident investigators may evaluate their mistake or misfortunes. For this reason alone, this book should be considered an insurance policy for many fire departments.

Jeff J. Clawson

The chapter on "Accident Analysis Considerations" is a must for any attorney representing either the plaintiff or defendant agency involved in these often avoidable collisions. Municipal and private risk managers will also gain valuable new and useful insights . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this book which I devoured at a single setting. It is a must read for anyone caring about the safe and thoughtful operation of emergency vehicles and the prevention of these avoidable tragedies.

Lawyers Weekly

Here's the most authoritative book ever published on lawsuits involving emergency vehicle accidents. It's an essential guide for lawyers handling these claims. You'll get analysis of emergency vehicle construction and operation; human factors; the effect of flashing lights, sirens, reflective materials, etc. on driver perception; common accident scenarios (including police chases, innocent bystanders, parked emergency vehicles, and injuries to EMTs); how these accidents are reconstructed; a discussion of statutes and case law; and much more. Emergency Vehicle Accidents will prepare you for all available avenues to explain accidents, who is at fault, and why.