Stupidest Fire Decision of the Decade
Austin firetrucks now must drive the speed limit and come to a complete stop at intersections while responding to calls, according to a new city policy that has upset the firefighters’ union.
Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr said the policy is intended to improve safety for firefighters and motorists. But Stephen Truesdell, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, said firefighters’ discretion is being unnecessarily curtailed, possibly increasing response times. “It appears to be a way for the fire chief to shift more responsibility on the individual firefighter,” Truesdell said.
Under previous policies, firefighters could drive up to 10 mph over the posted speed limit. At intersections, they were not required to stop but were instructed to make sure drivers were aware that they needed to get through.
As a practical matter, firefighters were already stopping at stoplights and intersections before proceeding, fire officials said. And because of traffic congestion, they said, fire engines rarely are able to drive much over the speed limit.
