As an authorized driver of a company vehicle, you have been given certain privileges. You assume the duty of obeying all motor vehicle laws, maintaining the vehicle properly at all times and, otherwise, following the policies and procedures outlined in the following.
Chief Executive Officer and Fleet Administrator: Takesha M. Essex
Vehicle Fleet Purpose
Company vehicles are provided to support business activities and are to be used only by qualified and authorized employees. They are not to be considered a part of an employee’s compensation and must not be used as an inducement for employment. In all cases, these vehicles are to be operated in strict compliance with motor vehicle laws of the jurisdiction in which they are driven and with the utmost regard for their care and cost-efficient use.
- Company vehicles may not be used for business activities of other companies.
- Company vehicles may not be driven to Canada or Mexico unless specified.
Driver Licensing
Company drivers and anyone authorized to drive the company vehicles must have a valid driver’s license issued in the state of residence for the class of the vehicle being operated and must be able to drive a vehicle. Obtaining a driver’s license is a personal expense.
Driver Qualifications
Driver qualifications are as follows:
- Authorized employee of company, employees, spouse or significant other.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Have at least one year of experience in the class of vehicle operated.
- Must meet licensing requirements.
- Will not qualify for a company vehicle if, during the last 36 months, the driver had any of the following experiences:
- Been convicted of a felony.
- Been convicted of sale, handling or use of drugs.
- Been convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related offense while driving.
- Had driver’s license suspended or revoked.
- Been convicted of three or more speeding violations or one or more other serious violations.
- Been involved in three or more chargeable accidents.
Review of Motor Vehicle Record
State Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be used as the source for verifying driver history. MVRs will be obtained and reviewed at least annually on the employee, employee spouse, or significant other. (The insurance company requires that we provide them with the driver’s license number and date of birth for anyone who may drive a company vehicle.) Driving privileges may be withdrawn or suspended and/or the company vehicle removed from any authorized driver not meeting the above requirements. In addition, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination of employment.
PLEASE READ, DATE, AND SIGN THE ATTACHED “EMPLOYEE AUTHORIZATION FOR MVR REVIEW”.
Personal Use
Company vehicles are provided for business purposes ONLY.
Rules Applying to Use of Company Vehicles:
- Personal trailers, including boat and recreational vehicles, are NOT to be pulled.
- Company vehicles are NOT to be driven while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance
- Possession, transportation, or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs by anyone in the vehicle is NOT allowed.
- Driver and all passengers must wear available personal restraints (seatbelts).
- Report any accident immediately to the police and your manager.
Any exceptions to these rules require to advance, written approval by the approved company manager or officer. Violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action from the removal of driving privileges to the termination of employment.
Maintenance
Liability
The company does not assume any liability for bodily injuries or property damage the employee may become personally obligated to pay arising out of an incident occurring in connection with the operation of company-owned vehicles while under the influence of a controlled substance both legal and illegal. In the event that an employee drives a company truck while under the influence of a controlled substance that impairs his or her ability to operate a vehicle, he/she will be held 100% responsible for damages both to the company vehicle and any other damages.
Driving while under the influence of a controlled substance is automatic termination.
Traffic Violations
Fines for parking or moving violations, towing storage, or impoundment is the personal responsibility of the assigned operator. The company will not condone nor excuse ignorance of any motor vehicle violations that result in court summons being directed to itself as the owner of the vehicle.
Each driver is required to report all moving violations to Takesha M. Essex– Fleet Manager within 24 hours. This requirement applies to violations involving the use of any vehicle (company, personal or other) while on company business. Failure to report violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action, including revoking driver privileges and possible termination of employment.
Cellular/mobile phones
Cellular/mobile phones should not be used while operating a vehicle. Using a cell phone while driving leads to an increased risk of having an accident through a lack of attention to driving. Inattention is the #1 cause of vehicle accidents in America. Inattention can also involve adjusting the radio, eating, smoking, daydreaming, talking to passengers, things outside the vehicle, and other distractions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the risk of having a traffic accident while using a cell phone is the same as that while driving drunk. In eleven countries and several US cities, it is illegal to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle. Regulation of the use of phones in vehicles has been the subject of more than one hundred bills in thirty-seven states.
- Allow voice mail to handle your calls and return them at your safe convenience.
- If you need to place or receive a call pull off the road to a safe location.
- Ask a passenger to make or take the call.
- Inform regular callers of your driving schedule, and when you will be available to talk.
- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes and mind on the road while driving.
In the event of an accident:
- Call the police on all accidents and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Do not admit negligence or liability.
- Do not attempt settlement, regardless of how minor.
- Get the name, address, and phone number of the injured person and witnesses if possible.
- Exchange vehicle identification, insurance company name, and policy numbers with the other driver.
- Take a photograph of the scene of the accident if possible.
- Complete the accident report in your vehicle.
- Turn all information over to Takesha M. Essex– Fleet Manager within 24 hours.
Thefts
In the event of the theft of a company vehicle, notify local police and Fleet Manager Takesha M. Essex immediately
Driver Responsibilities
Each driver is responsible for the actual possession, care, and use of the company vehicle in their possession. Therefore, a driver’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Operation of the vehicle in a manner consistent with reasonable practices that avoid abuse, theft, neglect, or disrespect of the equipment.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- The use of seat belts and shoulder harnesses is mandatory for drivers and passengers.
- Adhering to manufacturer’s recommendations regarding service, maintenance, and inspection. Vehicles should not be operated with any defect that would prevent safe operation.
- Attention to and practice of safe driving techniques and adherence to current safety requirements.
- Restricting the use of vehicles to authorized drivers, spouses, or significant others.
- Reporting the occurrence of moving violations.
Failure to comply with any of these responsibilities will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Preventable Accidents
A preventable accident is defined as an accident involving a company vehicle – whether being used for company or personal use – or any vehicle while being used on company business that results in property damage and/or personal injury, and in which the driver in question failed to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the accident.
Safety Guidelines to Prevent Accidents
- 1. Safety Guidelines to Prevent Accidents
- Do Not Follow too close
- Do Not Drive too fast for conditions
- Do Not Fail to observe clearances
- Do Not Fail to obey signs
- Do Not Make Improper turns
- Do Not Park improperly
- Do Not Pass improperly
- Do Not Fail to yield
- Do Not Fail to obey traffic signals or directions
- Do Not Exceed the posted speed limit
- Do Not Drive While Intoxicated (DWI) or Drive Under the Influence (DUI) or similar charges.