To ensure the safety of those individuals who drive District vehicles or personal vehicles on District business, each driver must drive in a safe and courteous manner pursuant to state motor vehicle regulations relating to driver responsibility.
The term “vehicle,” as used in this policy, includes but is not limited to, cars, trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, graders, and any other motorized vehicle.
Driver Guidelines and Reporting Requirements
Employees must have a valid and current driver’s license for the class of the vehicle being operated to operate a District vehicle and are expected to maintain a good driving record.
Employees may not drive any District vehicle without prior approval of their supervisor. Employees are required to present their driver’s license to Human Resources prior to approval as a driver. The Director of Human Resources or designee will request a driver’s abstract for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles prior to approving driver privileges and periodically thereafter.
Employees approved to drive District vehicles are required to inform their supervisor of any changes that may affect either their legal or physical ability to drive.
Approved District vehicle drivers who have had a driver’s license revoked or suspended shall immediately notify their supervisor. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Employees who drive a vehicle on District business must exercise due diligence to drive safely and to maintain the security of the vehicle and its contents. Use of handheld cell phones, including texting, while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle is strictly prohibited.
Drivers shall obey all traffic laws, school signage and postings, and park in designated parking areas. Vehicles must not be parked on surfaces not designated for parking without prior approval.
Drivers must report all ticket violations received during the operation of a District vehicle to their supervisor immediately, but not later than the end of their work shift. Employees are responsible for any driving infractions or fines as a result of their driving.
Non-employees (i.e., family and friends) are prohibited from riding in District vehicles.
Employees who use their personal vehicles for approved District purposes will receive mileage allowance equal to the Internal Revenue Service optional mileage allowance for such usage.
Employees must report any accident, theft or damage involving a District vehicle to their supervisor and the Business Office, regardless of the extent of damage or lack or injuries. Such reports must be made as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after the incident. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with authorities in the event of an accident.
Employees are not permitted, under any circumstances, to operate a company vehicle or a personal vehicle for District business when any physical or mental impairment causes the employee to be unable to drive safely.
Drivers are responsible for the security of District vehicles assigned to them. The vehicle
engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended.
All drivers and passengers in a District vehicle must wear seat belts.
The possession or use of any substance that is known to impair one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is strictly prohibited. Such substances include, but are not limited to drugs (including certain over-the-counter and prescription medications) and alcohol.
All District vehicles are smoke and tobacco free, including vapes and other electronic smoking devices. The possession or use of these products is strictly prohibited in all District vehicles at all times.
Unacceptable Driving Record
Drivers are expected to drive in a safe and responsible manner. If an employee’s driving record indicates a pattern of unsafe or irresponsible driving, their driving privileges will be suspended or revoked.
Criteria that may indicate an unacceptable record include, but are not limited to:
Three or more moving violations in a year
One chargeable accident within a year. Chargeable means that the driver is determined to be the primary cause of the accident through speeding, inattention, etc. Contributing factors, such as weather or mechanical problems, will be taken into consideration.
Suspension of driver’s license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Any combination of accidents and/or moving violations.
Anyone who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with law and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Adoption date: February 6, 2017
Amended date: February 8, 2021
To print or download this policy, please click here.