Fast Response: Traffic Course Keeps Officers Safe Behind the Wheel

BLOOMINGTON--When emergency strikes, officers strive to be first on scene.

But getting there safely, is another matter

"There's just so much going on, people don't really see the lights or hear the sirens," said Lieutenant Greg Scott.  "They just continue on their way."

To avoid hitting pedestrians and other cars in the wake of a crisis, these officers are taking a behind the wheel class.

"We teach collision avoidance and vehicle handling maneuver to our officers to help them know how to handle their vehicle in an emergency situation," Scott explained.

Those include weaving, braking, and swerving through cones.

At speeds of nearly 60 miles an hour.

"When you're driving, sometimes you just focus on driving and you have to make this quick decision," explained Bloomington Police Officer Marvin Arnold.  "Boom."

Officers say the course isn't necessarily easy for your ordinary driver.

So, I gave it a test drive to see how I can handle the road.

Putting the pedal to the metal proved harder than it looks.

I quickly learned I wasn't keeping the peace.

"It doesn't take long for things to change ahead of you," said Scott.

Police say new distractions, like people texting while driving, don't make their jobs any easier.

That's why they develop these defensive skills to minimize the danger.

"If it should happen when you're on the street you definitely want to be prepared," said Scott.

As each cop completes this training 1-0-1, the hope is they'll be ready to react when people dial 9-1-1.

Police say they're most prone to accidents where people aren't paying attention...Like parking lots and intersections.

They must complete this training every three years.