What happens when the outriggers are not deployed in relation to the ladder's functionality?

When the outriggers are not deployed on a ladder truck, it significantly affects its stability and functionality. The outriggers extend from the vehicle to create a wider base of support, which is essential for safely raising and operating the ladder. Without them being deployed, the vehicle does not have the necessary stabilization, which can make it unsafe to raise the ladder to its full height or extend it for operations.

This lack of stability can lead to a risk of tipping over, especially when weight is added or when the ladder is extended. As a result, many systems will prevent the ladder from being raised until the outriggers are properly deployed to ensure the safety of both the operators and those being served in emergency situations. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the critical role outriggers play in the operational safety and functionality of the ladder system.