What are the guidelines for safe and effective driving?
The guidelines for safe and effective driving are:
a. Driving on company business or driving 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.
b. Manipulating and handling a cell phone while actively driving is prohibited.
- Holding a cell phone to your ear while actively driving is prohibited.
- Talking on a cell phone using “hands-free” mode should be kept to a minimum.
- Drivers need to be aware when the use of the cell phone is creating a distraction from safe driving and adjust their usage accordingly, including pulling off the road to continue/finish the conversation if needed.
- Whenever possible, drivers should complete calls while the vehicle is parked or use the phone in a “hands-free” mode via a headset or speaker.
- While driving, attention to the road and safety should always take precedence over conducting business over the phone.
c. 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.
d. All drivers and passengers operating or riding in a company vehicle must wear seat belts, even if airbags are available.
e. No unauthorized personnel is allowed to ride in company vehicles.
f. Drivers are responsible for the security of company vehicles assigned to them. The vehicle engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended.
g. Headlights shall be used 2 hours before sunset and until 2 hours after sunrise, or during inclement weather or at any time when a distance of 500 feet ahead of the vehicle cannot be clearly seen.
h. All State and Local laws must be obeyed.