Which group constituted the largest percentage of firefighter vehicle-related fatalities?

Volunteer firefighters constitute the largest percentage of firefighter vehicle-related fatalities due to several factors inherent to their role and operational context. Many volunteer firefighters respond to emergencies while balancing other jobs and commitments, which can lead to rushing or taking risks while responding to calls. Additionally, volunteer firefighters may have less access to rigorous training compared to full-time counterparts, impacting their preparedness for safe driving under emergency conditions.

The nature of volunteer fire departments can also mean that their members may not have the same level of experience in handling emergency vehicles as full-time firefighters, increasing the risk during response situations. Furthermore, the lower frequency of responses per individual can contribute to a lack of familiarity with the vehicles, leading to potential safety issues.

In contrast, full-time firefighters typically have ongoing training, experience, and consistent operational practices, which can enhance their safety in responding to emergencies. Part-time and retired firefighters, while also important, do not comprise the majority of those involved in vehicle-related fatalities in this context.