Vehicle Safety Policy

This Policy affects all employees and subcontractors that drive company vehicles and employees that may drive personal vehicles on company related business.

Vehicle accidents are costly, but more importantly, they may result in an injury to you or others. It is the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and to drive defensively to prevent injuries and property damage. As such, ABC endorses all applicable state motor vehicle regulations relating to driver responsibility. Additionally, ABC expects each driver to drive in a safe and courteous manner pursuant to the following safety rules. The attitude you take when behind the wheel is the single most important factor in driving safely. Driving a company vehicle is a privilege subject to change by the company at any time, for any reason.  For the purposes of this policy, the terms “employee” and “Driver” are used interchangeably.

Driver Eligibility

The following applies to all personnel that may drive company vehicles or personal vehicles for company purposes:

• Drivers should be licensed for the type of vehicle to be operated, and keep the license(s) with them at all times while driving and adhere to all license restrictions.
• Company vehicles are intended for work related use. Personal use of company vehicles is discouraged.
• Any employee who has a driver’s license revoked or suspended shall immediately notify Executive Management. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
• Drivers must possess one license duly issued by the State of the Driver’s primary residence. In no event should a Driver possess more than one valid driver’s license.
• All accidents involving Company vehicles, regardless of severity (even when on private property, such as a parking lot), must be reported to the police (dial 911) and to Executive Management. Failing to stop after an accident and/or failure to report an accident may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
• The use of a company vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants and other drugs is sufficient cause for discipline, including dismissal. Possession of drugs or alcohol in a company vehicle is prohibited, unless specifically requested by Executive Management in connection with company entertainment purposes.
• All drivers and passengers operating or riding in company vehicles must wear seat belts, even if air bags are available.
• Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) may be ordered periodically to assess driving records. An unfavorable record (see below MVR evaluation procedures) will result in the loss of company vehicle driving privileges and/or employment.
• Drivers should observe and obey all applicable traffic laws and law enforcement personnel. Traffic tickets (moving violations), parking tickets, fines, and penalties are the responsibility of the individual Driver. (See Article 16.4)
• Drivers of company vehicles are responsible for assuring the proper mechanical maintenance repairs are performed timely according to service schedule and that the interior and exterior of the vehicles remain clean.
• The front seat is limited to the number of seat belts available for passengers. No more than three people can ride in the front seat of a vehicle.
• Personnel may only ride in sections of a vehicle that are intended for passengers. Riding in the bed of a pick-up truck is prohibited.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers at any time.
• Secure equipment and material to prevent shifting, and Drivers should periodically check the load to assure it remains secure and stable.
• Do not transport flammable liquids or gasses unless a DOT or UL approved container is utilized, and then only in limited quantities and only when necessary.
• Do not assist disabled motorists or accident victims beyond the level of their medical training (EMT, CPR, Basic First Aid). Drivers not able to perform these services should not engage in assistance and should call or wait for the proper authorities.
• Failure to report any company vehicle damage (no matter how slight) may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
• Due to the frequency and severity of Rear-End incidents, drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance at all times.

A recommended procedure is the “Timed Interval Rule.” The principle being – allow one second following distance, between your vehicle and the one ahead, for each 10’ of your vehicle length. This space must never be less than two seconds. This distance should be rounded off to the nearest 10’ MVR Evaluation As a means to verify that only qualified employees drive company vehicles or drive personal vehicles on company business, ABC may acquire an MVR for all prospective employees upon hire, and current employees on an annual basis, or as requested by Executive Management.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the driver’s record:

Major Violations

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence (DUI), or illegal possession of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license, or misrepresentation to obtain a driver’s license.
• Negligent homicide, assault or felony arising out of the use of a Motor Vehicle.
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without the Owner’s Authority (grand theft).
• Permitting an Unlicensed Person to Drive a company vehicle.
• Reckless Driving or Speed Contest (racing).
• Hit and Run (Bodily Injury and/or Property Damage).
• Failure to stop for a police officer or fleeing from police.

Major violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Major violations may result in immediate termination or suspension of driving privileges, or the restricted use of a company vehicle.

Moving Violations MVRs may be used to obtain information on moving violations.

Moving violations, such as speeding, running a stoplight, illegal turn, or following too closely will be used as criteria to evaluate Drivers using the chart below.

 

Moving violations and Preventable

Accidents will be used to determine eligibility for continued driving privileges. A moving violation includes every vehicle related citation or ticket except Major Violations and parking tickets, or a ticket for an expired inspection sticker (brake tag.)

 

Driver Accidents and Incidents

Because of our commitment to driving safety and the need to take remedial measures concerning driving privileges, all employees driving company vehicles who are involved in an accident involving personal injury and/or property damage will be required present the facts of the accident to a three member board (Accident Review Board). Executive Management will forward copies of the police report and accident report before such meeting. The Accident Review Board will make a determination as to whether the accident was Preventable.

Preventable accidents are defined as any accident where a prudent driver could have reasonably prevented the accident from occurring. If the Driver is ticketed at the scene of the accident by the appropriate legal authority, the Driver will automatically be charged with a Preventable accident. Drivers who have been charged with a preventable accident may loose their driving privileges according to the chart below. Number of moving violations (such as speeding tickets, traffic violations, running stop lights or signs) Number of Preventable Accidents During the Last 3 Years (Preventable accident means an incident that a reasonably prudent driver could have taken steps to prevent the accident from occurring. Preventable will be determined by the Accident Review Board.)

0 1 2 3 0 Good Average Borderline Disqualified

1 Average Average Borderline Disqualified

2 Borderline Borderline Disqualified Disqualified

3 Borderline Borderline Disqualified Disqualified

4 Disqualified Disqualified

Disqualified

Disqualified Employees evaluated “Borderline Driver” category may have their driving privileges restricted and will be required to complete driver safety training course as a condition of future driving privileges. If driving is an essential function of an employee’s job responsibilities, and an employee’s is disqualified from driving, then the employee will be terminated.

Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is essential to assure company vehicles are safe, work efficiently, and to reduce down time. It is the responsibility of the vehicle custodian to assure that each company owned vehicle is maintained, at a minimum, to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, at regular intervals. The maintenance log in the owner’s manual should be completed to document all preventive maintenance activities. ABC will reimburse the preventive maintenance costs on all company owned vehicles. Failure to follow these procedures will result in the loss of company vehicle privileges.

Vehicle Security

Drivers are responsible for the security of Company vehicles being used by them. The vehicle engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended. Valuables left in the vehicle are always at risk, so keep valuables locked in the trunk, taken with you or hidden when leaving the vehicle. If the vehicle is left with a parking attendant only the ignition key is to be left.

Driver use of a Non-Company Owned Vehicle

Drivers who drive a Non-Company owned vehicle while conducting business for the company, whether or not the employee is reimbursed for mileage, shall maintain automobile liability insurance, at all times in accordance with the following minimum liability amounts which exceed the minimum liability amounts set by State of Louisiana:

$100,000 Bodily Injury

One Person $300,000

Bodily Injury per Accident $50,000

Property Damage per Accident

Drivers must maintain a current vehicle inspection certificate (brake tag), a current registration certificate and must maintain and operate the Non Company owned vehicle in safe operating condition and manner.

Cellular Phone Safety

Telephones in automobiles are a fact of life. They can be a lifesaver when emergency services need to be quickly notified after an accident. In non-emergency situations, they can be a life-enhancing tool if operated in a proper and sensible manner. Under the terms of this policy, cellular phone use while driving must be limited to business and emergency purposes. Use your good judgment and discretion and plan on making calls during non driving time whenever possible.

Know Your Phone

Get to know your phone and its features such as speed dial and redial. Carefully read your instruction manual and learn to take advantage of valuable features most phones offer including, automatic redial and memory dial-most phones can store up to 99 numbers in memory dial. Also, work to memorize the phone keypad so you can use the speed dial function without taking your attention off the road.

Hands Free Devices

Although helpful, a “hands free” device cannot prevent you from being involving in a distracting conversation. When available, use a hands free device if you must take a call on the road. A number of hands free wireless phone accessories are readily available today. Whether you choose an installed mounted device for your phone or a speaker phone accessory, take advantage of these devices if available to you. Position your phone within easy reach. Make sure you place your wireless phone within easy reach and where you can grab it without removing your eyes from the road. If you get an incoming call at an inconvenient time, let your voice mail answer it for you. Most phones store the numbers of previous incoming calls.

Hazardous Conditions

Suspend conversations during hazardous driving conditions or situations. Let the person you are speaking to know you are driving; if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be hazardous, but so is heavy traffic. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. If you are reading an address book or business card while driving a car, or writing a “to do” list, then you are not watching where you are going on in front of you. It’s common sense. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation because you are reading or writing and not paying attention to the road or nearby vehicles. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic. Try to plan your calls before you begin your trip, or attempt to coincide your calls with times you may be stopped for refueling or a meal, or at a stop sign, red light or otherwise stationary. But if you need to dial while driving, follow this simple tip-dial a few numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then continue.

Distracting Conversations

Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting. Stressful or emotional conversations and driving do not mix, they are distracting and even dangerous when you are behind the wheel. Make people you are talking with aware you are driving and if necessary, suspend phone conversations that have the potential to divert your attention from the road.

Emergency Use

Use your phone to call for help. Your wireless phone is one of the greatest tools you can own to protect yourself and your family in dangerous situations-with your phone at your side, help is only three numbers away. Dial 9-1-1 in the case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard, or medical emergencies. Use your phone to help others in emergencies. Your wireless phone provides you a perfect opportunity to be a “Good Samaritan” in your community. If you see an auto accident, crime in progress or other serious emergency where lives are in danger, call 9-1-1, as you would want others to do for you.