"Stay safe. Stay away. Stay awake."

Jim Mele, editor-in-chief of Fleet Owner magazine, delivered this message at the 17th annual Fire Department Safety Officers' Association Apparatus Specification & Maintenance Symposium this week in Orlando, Fla.

Mele talked about new technology available on over-the-road trucks today that could be available soon on fire trucks.

"Stay safe" refers to advanced electronics that help drivers by preventing truck rollovers and jackknifed trailers. "Stay away" refers to automatic electronic sensors that prevent accidents by audibly notifying drivers of vehicles or objects in their blind spots. "Stay awake" is a new system that scans a driver's eyes for eye motion. Too frequent motion is a sign of fatigue. If fatigue is detected, a small sign on the speedometer pops up, telling the driver to take a break. The sensors also can tell if drivers take their eyes off the road for too long and will direct their attention back to driving.

He explained how telematics -- a combination of computers and telecommunications technology -- can monitor a truck's internal systems and report to a designated computer the vehicle's location, speed and driver. The unit also will gather stats on internal components and report if a truck needs a specific service. Telematics can communicate with dispatch if a truck needs to be rerouted because of traffic or other obstructions. If a truck is in a critical maneuver, telematics can even delay a text phone message until it is safe to deliver.

Changes in specifying the basic chassis are coming that will affect the fire service market. Mele believes chassis builders will specify products designed to integrate with new, complex technology. If an end user wants to specify an engine or transmission different from the standard chassis, there could be a significant charge because it differs from the integrated electronic design of the system.

Mele also predicts a serious shortage of technicians to work on these heavy rigs. As a result, he believes OEMs will be increasingly responsible for routine maintenance and service. A survey on this topic will be available in Fleet Owner's March issue, available online at www.fleetowner.com. (Fleet Owner is a PRIMEDIA publication, as is FIRE CHIEF magazine.)

FDSOA's keynote speaker, Chief Alan Brunacini of the Phoenix Fire Department, also addressed safety issues and apparatus. On the list of items in his "how we do it in Phoenix" presentation, the chief explained that his department had removed SCBAs from the apparatus seats for two reasons: It prevents firefighters from donning SCBAs when they should have their seatbelts buckled, and it gives firefighters and officers the chance to evaluate the scene. Too often firefighters will run out the door without a good size-up from the company officer.

Brunacini also insists on stopping for red lights. "Stop at every red light and stop sign. People said we'd burn the city down, but it was still here when I left," he said. And later, in true Brunacini fashion, he emphasized, "It's not OK to die in a structure fire."

We also noticed a sign in the cab windshield, facing the driver: "Got a backer?" That's to remind drivers not to back up without help, he said. Brunacini ended by reminding us that while fire trucks are considered sacred, their real purpose is to "deliver humans to humans."

Way to go, Chief.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor
jwilmoth@primediabusiness.com