In which situation should you drive your fire apparatus in low gear?

Driving a fire apparatus in low gear is particularly important when approaching an intersection. This practice enhances control and stabilizes the vehicle as you prepare to navigate through areas where there might be unexpected obstacles, pedestrians, or changing traffic patterns. Low gear allows for better engine braking, which reduces the risk of losing control when making quick stop decisions. It also ensures that you can respond to any necessary maneuvers more promptly.

In situations such as night operations or while backing up, while low gear might be useful, it is not as critical as when navigating intersections. During nighttime, visibility is limited, but the focus is more on slow, cautious driving rather than specifically relying on low gear. When backing up, using low gear can help with control, but the priority in this case is on safely monitoring the surroundings. Driving on a straight road typically allows for higher speeds and does not require the added control that low gear provides.