The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of those individuals who drive company vehicles and to provide guidance on the proper use of company fleet vehicles. Vehicle accidents are costly to our company, but more importantly, they may result in 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, employer endorses all applicable state motor vehicle regulations relating to driver responsibility. The employer 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.
Employees must have a valid and current Driver’s license to operate a company vehicle, or a personal vehicle with current auto insurance while on company business. Employees are expected to drive in a safe and responsible manner and to maintain a good driving record. The Field Operations Manager is responsible for reviewing records, including accidents, moving violations, etc., to determine if an employee’s driving record indicates a pattern of unsafe or irresponsible driving, and to make a recommendation to Executive Management for suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Company vehicles are to be driven by authorized employees only, except in case of repair testing by a mechanic.
Any employee who has a driver’s license revoked or suspended shall immediately notify the Field Operations Manager by the next business day, and immediately discontinue operation of the company vehicle. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
All accidents in company vehicles, regardless of severity, must be reported to the police and to Field Operations Manager. Accidents are to be reported immediately (from the scene, during the same day, or as soon as practicable if immediate or same day reporting is not possible). Accidents in personal vehicles while on company business must follow these same accident procedures. Accidents involving the employee’s personal injury must be reported to Human Resources for Worker’s Compensation purposes. Failing to stop after an accident and/or failure to report an accident may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Drivers must report all ticket violations received during the operation of a company vehicle, or while driving a personal vehicle on company business, within 72 hours to the Field Operations Manager. Company business is defined as driving at the direction, or for the benefit, of employer. It does not include normal commuting to and from work
Motor Vehicle Records will be obtained on all drivers prior to employment and on an annual basis. A driving record that fails to meet the criteria stated in this policy, or is considered to be in violation of the intent of this policy will result in a loss of the privilege of driving a company vehicle.
The use of a company vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants and other drugs (which could impair driving ability) is forbidden and is sufficient cause for discipline, up to and including termination of employment
No driver shall operate a company vehicle when his/her ability to do so safely has been impaired by illness, fatigue, injury, or prescription medication.
All drivers and passengers operating or riding in a company vehicle must wear seat belts, even if air bags are available.
No unauthorized personnel are allowed to ride in company vehicles.
Drivers are responsible for the security of company vehicles assigned to the vehicle engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended.
All State and Local laws must be obeyed.
Employees must adhere to all federal, state or local rules and regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Accordingly, employees must not use cell phones if such conduct is prohibited by law, regulation or other ordinance. If you are not sure whether the use of a cell phone while driving is prohibited in a particular area, please check with Operations for guidance.
If employees must use cell phones while in their cars, they should use a hands-free phone, keep their eyes on the road at all times, and avoid complex or stressful conversations. Employees whose job responsibilities do not specifically include driving as an essential function, but who are issued or reimbursed for a cell phone for business purpose or are expected to respond to cell phone calls for business reasons are also expected to abide by the provisions above. Under no circumstances are employees allowed to place themselves at risk to fulfill business needs. Violation of this guideline will not be tolerated.
Drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance at all times. Drivers should keep a two second interval between their vehicle and the vehicle immediately ahead. During slippery road conditions, the following distance should be increased to at least four seconds.
Drivers must yield the right of way at all traffic control signals and signs requiring them to do so. Drivers should also be prepared to yield for safety’s sake at any time. Pedestrians and bicycles in the roadway always have the right of way.
Drivers must honor posted speed limits. In adverse driving conditions, reduce speed to a safe operating speed that is consistent with the conditions of the road, weather, lighting, and volume of traffic. Tires can hydroplane on wet pavement at speeds as low as 40 mph.
Be alert of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists when approaching intersections. Never speed through an intersection on a caution light. When the traffic light turns green, look both ways for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
When waiting to make left turns, keep your wheels facing straight ahead. If rear ended, you will not be pushed into the lane of oncoming traffic.
When stopping behind another vehicle, leave enough space so you can see the rear wheels of the car in front. This allows room to go around the vehicle if necessary, and may prevent you from being pushed into the car in front of you if you are rear-ended.
Avoid backing where possible, but when necessary, keep the distance traveled to a minimum and be particularly careful.
In an attempt to minimize the results of an accident, the driver must prevent further damages or injuries and obtain all pertinent information and report it accurately.
the accident could have been prevented.
Proper vehicle maintenance is a basic element of any fleet safety program, not only to ensure a safe, road worthy vehicle, but also to avoid costly repair expenses and unexpected breakdowns.
Proper vehicle maintenance is a basic element of any fleet safety program, not only to ensure a safe, road worthy vehicle, but also to avoid costly repair expenses and unexpected breakdowns.
Oil changes and tire rotations are due every 5,000 miles
Every 30,000 miles, vehicles should have a tune-up, transmission service, cooling system service, brake service, AC service, etc.
The vehicle must be cleaned (interior and exterior) regularly to help maintain its good appearance for you and the company. A clean vehicle makes a good impression on customers.
Each company owned vehicle will be equipped with vehicle tracking hardware. This is to never be tampered with unless it is necessary for vehicle maintenance. GPS data will be shared with all employees with the goal to better manage field operations.
This software will monitor the following: