What should you do when driving an aerial apparatus that is longer than you are familiar with?

When driving an aerial apparatus that is longer than what you are accustomed to, being more cautious when judging clearance is essential. The length of the apparatus can significantly affect your turning radius, stopping distances, and overall maneuverability. Failing to adjust your judgment of clearance can lead to accidents, collisions, and damage to the apparatus or surrounding structures.

Being aware of the increased length will help you be more deliberate when navigating tight spaces, corners, and obstacles. This enhanced caution allows you to safely manage the apparatus while ensuring that you have adequate clearance overhead and on the sides. Prioritizing cautious driving fosters safety not only for yourself but also for your passengers and the public.

While practicing on a closed course provides helpful skills and experience, it's not always immediately accessible or feasible. Additionally, asking someone else to drive, while potentially safe, does not build your own skills or confidence with the specific apparatus. Therefore, being more cautious aligns with the immediate responsibility of safely operating the equipment in real-world scenarios.