Emergency medical vehicle collisions are an unfortunately common occurrence. Current data are insufficient to accurately describe their rate of occurrence or impact on society. Preventive efforts in education, technology, legislation, and research have promising roles in enhancing vehicular and personal safety; these include improved driver background checks, agency policies and education regarding the use of restraints and safe driving behaviors, real-time monitoring of drive-safety parameters, vehicle crash testing, and legislation to introduce vehicle crashworthiness standards. The establishment of a national emergency medical vehicle collision database could improve research in these fields. Emergency response to emergency medical vehicle collisions presents unique difficulties and hazards. (Author/publisher)
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