What is the term for the maximum speed a fire apparatus can safely travel around a curve?

The term "critical speed" refers to the maximum speed at which a fire apparatus can safely navigate a curve without losing traction or experiencing a rollover. This speed is determined by various factors, including the vehicle's weight, the radius of the curve, and the road surface conditions. Understanding critical speed is essential for fire apparatus operators, as exceeding this speed can lead to dangerous situations, such as losing control of the vehicle.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings. "Emergency speed" generally refers to the speed at which emergency vehicles operate while responding to calls but does not specifically account for the dynamics of navigating curves. "Safe speed" is a more general term without a strict definition concerning curves, and "response speed" typically indicates the speed during an emergency response, which also doesn't incorporate the specific considerations necessary for safely traveling around curves. Thus, critical speed is specifically the relevant term in this context.