Faced with a record of more than 500 vehicle accidents in the past three years, the Phoenix Fire Department is changing its driver training program to include periodic refresher courses for all drivers as well as immediate remedial training for drivers involved in accidents.

According to The Arizona Republic newspaper, the situation is critical and has cost the city more than $5.5 million to settle liability claims and to repair or replace damaged apparatus since 2002.

In the most recent serious accident, a fire apparatus was traveling 57mph in an oncoming traffic lane when an impaired driver turned in front of the rig and was hit and killed.

The new driver training program is currently being developed and may include re-certifying drivers every two years, expanding the training for ambulance drivers and requiring remedial training for drivers who are found to be at fault in accidents. It is expected to be finalized and put into effect by mid year and will be accelerated to ensure all drivers receive training.

The fire department is asking for an additional $480,000 funding in the next fiscal year to make the training program permanent.