One of the toughest adjustments for new apparatus drivers is knowing proper large vehicle operation techniques. Compared to normal passenger vehicles, truck tires are bigger, steering wheels are larger, and air brakes operate and feel completely different.

When a truck tire hits a pothole, for instance, the steering wheel can get yanked out of the operator's hands if not in full control. Because bigger, heavier objects develop more kinetic energy, I always instructed drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions.

Plus, we had them use "shuffle" steering. This means allowing the steering wheel to slide through one hand or the other while the other hand was either pushing or pulling to turn the wheel — and never allowing the hands to cross over each other or pass the 12 or 6 o'clock positions, or completely lose contact with the steering wheel.

Shuffle steering also helps drivers slow down when approaching, entering and exiting a turn. We wanted the drivers to avoid "palming" the steering wheel. Even though this is a useful technique when used appropriately, it should not be used when driving at higher speeds because the driver's hand is not "gripping" the wheel. This could cause loss of control in case of a sudden event.

Shuffle steering does take time to get used to, but with enough practice it does become second nature and more comfortable to perform. It is the safest and preferred method.

Another aspect of steering is instructing drivers to adjust the steering wheel so they could have complete 360-degree freedom of movement. That meant moving it up and forward, away from the body so their arms and hands would not interfere with obstacles especially their own body. This is easily accomplished with the tilt and telescoping feature of the steering wheel and seat adjustment.

Air brakes work much differently than hydraulic brakes used in normal passenger vehicles. They are more sensitive and "touchy." They also require practice to become proficient.

With new drivers, I would experience a "choppy" ride rather than smooth stopping or transitioning to slower speeds. The biggest learning curve was getting them to discover that small range of movement in the brake pedal that allows the vehicle to "creep" slowly through tight spaces and intricate maneuvers.

During driving practices and exams/checkouts, we would have new and experienced drivers not have the wheels come to a complete stop or stop rolling when driving around cones on the driving course during narrow and tight exercises.

This accomplished three things:

  • The truck was easier to steer since the tire was rolling.
  • The footprint of the tire in contact with ground would not get excessive wear if turning while static.
  • The driver gains confidence in operating that particular apparatus and knowing how to operate the brakes while driving slowly.

After gaining practical experience over these two aspects of the apparatus, the next key was learning how to drive slowly and operate the steering wheel using its full range of motion and steering faster — in other words, really working the wheel while moving slowly.

We needed to rewire how people thought because it is inherent that things have to be done slowly while moving slowly. This is not the case, however. You really have to work the steering wheel to maneuver large vehicles in tight and narrow places.

This brings up a good point relating to how tires "track" and scrub area. Many trucks come with either with a single rear axle and dual tires or tandem axles with dual tires. This translates to learning how to move around an obstacle.

A driver needs to begin turning prior to reaching the object, not when the axles are even or in-line with the item around which they are trying to maneuver. A lot can be learned by watching drivers practice when there is a second set of eyes outside on the ground.

The preferred method was to have the tires track around the cones making arcs around the base 1-2 feet away, starting at the front of the cone base then behind. This area of entry is increased when dealing with tandem axles, which track along a wider arc than single axles.

All in all, these skills can be learned with practice and time behind the wheel (steering). We made it a policy that once recruits graduated, they were not allowed to drive on "emergency" responses and/or alarms during their one-year probation period.

However, they needed to gain experience somehow. Therefore, they were allowed to drive on "routine" movements the everyday travels without lights and sirens.

This goes a long way. Whenever new firefighters finished their probation, we always saw a spike in accidents involving our fire department vehicles. Learning the local driving culture is gained with time and experience. Some of them may have it already, but not with the larger vehicles.