On certain occasions, our employees may be required to operate vehicles or equipment for company business. If they are involved in a vehicle accident:

•      Notify their supervisor immediately or as soon as they can following the accident.

•      Make sure that they ask everyone involved if they are okay or if they need medical attention.

•      Notify emergency services if needed.

•      Get all vital information from all people involved, including driver’s license information, insurance information, and phone numbers where they can be contacted.

•      Witness information if needed.

•      DO NOT ADMIT FAULT TO ANYTHING!!

The following conduct is prohibited:

A.   Possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or narcotics while on the job or at lunch.

B.    Dishonesty, theft or commission of any other crime.

C.    Deliberate or inattentive damage to company property.

D.   Possession of firearms while on duty (other than police officers).

All local and state laws and ordinances must be observed. If there is any conflict between the following rules and such laws or ordinances, the latter shall govern.

At the beginning of the working day, check brakes, steering apparatus, horn, windshield wipers, tires, mirrors, lights, reflectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

Clean lights, windshield, mirrors, and rear window and keep clean throughout the day.

Report in writing any hazardous defects in vehicle immediately. Do not drive with makeshift repairs.

Drive with the same courtesy and considerations of pedestrians and other drivers that employees would like given to them.

Use seat belts when driving or riding in a moving motor vehicle.

Observe all official speed limits. Also observe and comply with traffic lights, warning, and stop signs.

Use extreme caution when backing to avoid accidents.

Always set hand brake when parking a vehicle/equipment and, if on a grade, use additional precautions such as turning wheels into curb and putting vehicle in low or reverse gear.

Personal use of company vehicles is not allowed unless approved by management.

Do not follow another vehicle too closely. Be sure you can stop if the vehicle ahead makes a stop. Reckless/Careless driving is strictly prohibited.

When transporting materials, equipment, etc., make certain that the load is secure and balanced.

Remember, the driver is responsible for the load, should it shift, fall off, etc.

Do not pick up any hitchhikers or carry unauthorized passengers in a company vehicle. Police officers may transport passengers in the course of the normal duties as required by police procedures.

Complete required maintenance reports.

Comply with accident reporting procedures.

As a responsible party using company vehicles and equipment, employee will be required to make sure that certain safety precautions are followed. These items will include but are not limited to:

•      Daily inspections of vehicles and storage units.

•      Daily equipment inspections.

•      Inspection sheets should be turned in regularly to employee’s supervisor and all corrections to defective equipment should be addressed immediately.

Employee must hold a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle they are driving. Further, employee’s may never use a motorcycle to conduct business. All people in company vehicles are required to wear their seatbelts. Not using seatbelts in a vehicle may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Only people authorized by employee’s supervisor can be passengers in vehicles. Permitting unauthorized passengers may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Any employee whose duties include driving for company business who is cited for D.U.I. or for any other serious moving violation will be considered to have an unacceptable driving record and his or her continued employment will be subject to review. The City Administrator must be notified immediately of any change in the status of your driving record . Any employee whose duties include the operation of vehicles who becomes uninsurable under the liability policy will be considered to have an unacceptable driving record and his or her continued employment will be subject to review.

If an employee receives a traffic citation while operating a company vehicle, the employee will be responsible for paying any fine or penalty. If an employee is involved in a traffic accident while operating a company vehicle, the employee is required to call a police officer to the scene of the accident. The employee must report the accident to the City Clerk immediately. Do not attempt to render medical care or assistance beyond your ability.

Mobile Device Policy

Every effort should be made to avoid the need to use a mobile device while operating a company vehicle. Plan, as much as possible, your need to initiate phone calls in order to avoid doing so while driving.

Hand-held cellular or mobile devices may not be used while operating a company vehicle. When you receive a call on a hand-held cell phone, greet the caller and ask him or her to hold momentarily while you proceed to safely and legally park your vehicle, and then continue the conversation. If employee is in traffic where moving to a legal parking area will take more than a few seconds, ask the caller to call again in 10 or 15 minutes so employee can provide their undivided attention to the conversation.

The exception to this is that “hands-free” cellular phones may be used by employees driving company vehicles when calls must be made for business or emergency purposes and then only if such operation, in the employee’s opinion, can be done safely. Traffic and weather conditions, among others, should be considered. “Voice-activated” dialing is preferred and should be used if available. Calls should be kept to the minimum number and duration possible.

If making the call is absolutely necessary, remember these safety tips:

•      Use speed dial or a hands-free device to place calls.

•      Do not take notes or search for phone numbers while driving.

•      Never use your mobile device in bad weather, work zones, heavy traffic, or in other hazardous conditions.

•      Recognize that driving requires employee’s full attention.

•      Before you get into the car, become familiar with the device features.

•      Keep the call short.

•      Tell the person at the other end that the employee is driving.

•      Secure your mobile device so it doesn’t become a projectile in the event of an accident.