Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for leaders and personnel in public safety agencies, and it’s about reducing vehicle damage.
Now, if you’ve been in this business for any length of time, you know vehicle damage is a major cost driver for police, fire, and EMS agencies. And some of that damage is just the nature of the work: emergency response conditions, high-mileage vehicles, and unpredictable situations. But a lot of it is preventable.
“Reducing vehicle damage isn’t just about saving money. It’s about keeping our people safe and ensuring emergency vehicles are ready when we need them.”
Let’s start with training. Too often, we assume that once someone has a driver’s license, they know how to operate a public safety vehicle. That’s a bad assumption. Regular Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training is a must, and not just for high-speed pursuits or Code 3 responses. Training should also cover slow-speed maneuvers, parking, and backing. Let’s be honest: A lot of damage happens in the parking lot or at the station and not on the highway.
Next up: accountability and reporting. If your agency doesn’t track and analyze vehicle damage incidents, you’re missing an opportunity. Every crash, dent, and fender bender should be reviewed. Patterns will emerge. Maybe it’s a specific location, time of day, or type of incident. Once you see the pattern, you can likely address the problem.
Let’s talk vehicle inspections. It’s a simple step, but daily inspections catch issues before they become costly problems. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and damage at the start of every shift. And when damage does occur, report it immediately.
Finally, technology and policy. Backup cameras, parking sensors, and telematics can reduce accidents if members are trained and required to use them. And clear policies on safe driving, distracted driving, and pursuit procedures reinforce agency expectations.
Bottom line? A little prevention goes a long way. Reducing vehicle damage isn’t just about saving money. It’s about keeping our people safe and ensuring emergency vehicles are ready when we need them.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
