POST Emergency Vehicle Operations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'target fixation' during high-speed emergency driving?
- Keeping eyes on the speedometer to maintain a safe speed
- Focusing so intently on a hazard that the driver steers toward it (Correct answer)
- Selecting a visual reference point ahead to maintain lane position
- Looking through the curve rather than at the apex
Correct answer: Focusing so intently on a hazard that the driver steers toward it
Target fixation occurs when a driver's eyes lock onto a hazard, causing the vehicle to follow the driver's gaze directly into the obstacle.
Question 2: Under what condition should an officer discontinue a pursuit even if agency policy would otherwise permit continuation?
- When the suspect exceeds 100 mph on a freeway
- When roadway, weather, or traffic conditions create unreasonable public danger (Correct answer)
- When a second patrol unit has not yet joined the pursuit
- When the pursuit enters a neighboring jurisdiction without notification
Correct answer: When roadway, weather, or traffic conditions create unreasonable public danger
Regardless of policy permissions, officers must terminate pursuits when conditions make continuing unreasonably dangerous to uninvolved third parties.
Question 3: The term 'threshold braking' refers to:
- Applying maximum brake pressure just before the wheels lock up (Correct answer)
- Pumping the brakes in a rhythmic pattern to prevent skidding
- Using the parking brake to assist in controlled stops
- Downshifting to use engine compression as a braking force
Correct answer: Applying maximum brake pressure just before the wheels lock up
Threshold braking applies maximum brake force just short of wheel lockup, producing the shortest possible stopping distance in vehicles without ABS.
Question 4: When multiple patrol vehicles are involved in a pursuit, which vehicle should activate emergency lights and siren?
- All pursuing vehicles simultaneously to maximize warning
- Only the primary unit; secondary units follow without audio signals unless directed (Correct answer)
- Only units with dashboard cameras to preserve evidence
- The most senior officer's vehicle regardless of position in the pursuit
Correct answer: Only the primary unit; secondary units follow without audio signals unless directed
Multiple sirens create confusing sound patterns for the public; only the primary unit maintains the siren while secondary units use lights and follow at a safe interval.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard created when an officer brakes hard during a turn at high speed?
- Reduced visibility due to tire smoke
- Loss of steering control caused by weight transfer and wheel lockup (Correct answer)
- Engine stall from sudden deceleration
- Activation of the traction control system limiting power
Correct answer: Loss of steering control caused by weight transfer and wheel lockup
Hard braking in a turn shifts weight forward and can lock wheels, causing understeer or oversteer and loss of directional control at the critical moment.
Question 6: Which lighting configuration is MOST effective at improving civilian compliance at nighttime intersections?
- Steady red-only lights to indicate an emergency stop
- Alternating flashing white and red lights combined with siren (Correct answer)
- Deactivating lights momentarily to allow vehicles to proceed
- Using only the vehicle spotlight aimed at approaching traffic
Correct answer: Alternating flashing white and red lights combined with siren
Alternating red and white emergency lights combined with an audible siren provide maximum conspicuity and the clearest warning to drivers at night.
Question 7: An officer's patrol vehicle begins to oversteer (rear slides out) during a high-speed curve. The correct response is to:
- Apply the brakes firmly to stabilize the vehicle
- Turn the steering wheel sharply into the skid and accelerate slightly
- Counter-steer in the direction of the skid and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)
- Shift into neutral to reduce drivetrain forces on the rear wheels
Correct answer: Counter-steer in the direction of the skid and ease off the accelerator
Counter-steering (turning into the skid) and smoothly reducing throttle input allows the rear tires to regain traction and straighten the vehicle.
POST Emergency Vehicle Operations 4
Which of the following best describes 'target fixation' during high-speed emergency driving?