To help compensate for higher speeds on the highway, what should you maintain around your ambulance?

Maintaining a cushion of safety or gap in traffic is essential for safe driving, particularly at higher speeds such as those encountered on the highway. This concept refers to creating and preserving sufficient space around the ambulance, allowing time and distance for the driver to react to potential hazards or changes in the driving environment.

At higher speeds, stopping distances increase significantly, meaning that the ability to swiftly maneuver or bring the vehicle to a stop may be compromised. By ensuring a buffer zone around the ambulance, drivers can reduce the risk of collision by allowing for more reaction time. It also enhances visibility and minimizes the chances of being boxed in by other vehicles, which is critical in emergency situations where rapid response is necessary.

This attention to maintaining a cushion of safety directly contributes to overall operator safety, the safety of the patients being transported, and the safety of other road users, underscoring its importance in emergency vehicle operation.