According to the data, which category of firefighters experiences the highest risk of vehicle-related fatalities?

The highest risk of vehicle-related fatalities has been observed among volunteer firefighters. This is largely due to factors associated with their operational environment and the unique challenges they face. Volunteer firefighters often respond to emergency calls from their homes or jobs, which can lead to increased travel time and potentially hazardous conditions. They may also have less comprehensive training and fewer resources at their disposal compared to career firefighters, impacting their preparedness for vehicle operation during emergencies.

Furthermore, volunteer firefighters may not be as routinely engaged in emergency response operations as career firefighters, resulting in less experience maneuvering emergency vehicles. Their responses could occur at all hours under varying conditions, further escalating the risk of accidents. Therefore, the combination of these factors contributes to the elevated vehicle-related fatality rates among this group, making it crucial for volunteer firefighting organizations to focus on safety training and measures to mitigate risks during responses.