Motor Vehicle Program

Motor Vehicle Program

MOTOR VEHICLE PROGRAM

GENERAL

  • Only those employees specifically authorized and who possess valid licenses or permits shall operate company owned motor vehicles or personally owned vehicles on company business.
  • Drivers shall know and obey all state and local motor vehicle laws.
  • A driver shall not permit unauthorized persons to drive or operate any company vehicle.
  • Seat belt use is mandatory in all company vehicles by all occupants.
  • Employees shall not permit anyone to ride on the running boards, fenders, or any part of any motorized equipment except on the seats or inside the body walls. Passengers shall not stand in moving vehicles.
  • Employees shall not ride on loose material or equipment carried on trucks.
  • Employees shall not ride on trailers.
  • Employees shall not jump on or off vehicles in motion.
  • Our company trucks are to be used only for company business or for commuting directly to company business unless specific prior approval is obtained from your superintendent.
  • It is strictly forbidden to drive our company vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Under no circumstance is it acceptable for our company trucks to be used for a tavern stop. There are serious safety and liability issues connected with our company trucks that will compel us to revoke the privilege of having a company truck if there is abuse of this policy.
  • Our trucks, besides being an important tool for business, project our image in the community. Please practice polite and safe driving to enhance our company image.
  • Due to liability issues and the need to have a reliable material delivery system, the company stake trucks are not available for personal use of any kind.
  • If there are any questions concerning the use of company trucks, ask your superintendent or department head.

INSPECTION

  • All vehicles must be inspected thoroughly at the beginning of each shift to ensure that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. All defects must be corrected before vehicle is placed in service.
  • All vehicles shall have a service brake system, parking brake system and an emergency brake system in operable condition.
  • All vehicles or combination of vehicles shall have in operable condition at least:
  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Brakelights
  • Audible warning device at operator’s station.
  • Seat belts properly installed.
  • Seats, firmly secured, for the number of persons carried.
  • No employer shall use motor equipment having obstructed rear view unless:
  • Vehicle has an audible reverse signal alarm.
  • Vehicle is backed up only when observer says it is safe to do so.
  • All vehicles with cabs shall have:
  • Windshields and poweredwipers.
  • Cracked and broken glass replaced.
  • Defogging/defrosting devices when fog/frost may occur.
  • With the exception of earth moving equipment, rubber tire vehicles shall be equipped with fenders. Mud flaps may be used in lieu of fenders for equipment not designed for fenders.
  • All vehicles must be checked thoroughly at the beginning of each shift to ensure that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. All defects must be corrected before vehicle is placed in service.

OPERATION

  • The operator of a motor vehicle shall clearly signal their intention of turning, passing or stopping.
  • Drivers shall be prepared to stop and the right way shall be yielded in all instances where necessary to avoid an accident.
  • Drivers following other vehicles shall stay a safe distance behind so that they can stop in the clear distance ahead.
  • Drivers shall keep a sharp lookout for children, especially in school zones or where they are playing, and be prepared for an immediate stop.
  • Trucks or trailers stopped on any public roadway shall be protected by red flags, proper warning lights or reflectors in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Trucks shall not be operated with tailgates hanging or dangling.
  • Before backing a vehicle, the driver shall definitely determine that the space they need is clear, and they shall back slowly, keeping a constant lookout during the entire time they are backing. When backing trucks and another employee is available, they shall be so stationed that they can warn the driver of approaching danger and assist them in maneuvering the vehicle.
  • When entering or leaving any building or enclosure, or to or from any alley or street where vision is obstructed, a complete stop shall be made and the driver shall proceed with caution.
  • All ignition systems shall be turned off and no smoking permitted while refueling.
  • Load limits of booms and other hoisting equipment shall not be exceeded.
  • When proceeding down grade the clutch shall not be disengaged.

LOADING AND HAULING

  • Materials and equipment shall be loaded so they will not cause a hazard by shifting. Heavy equipment and materials shall be securely fastened.
  • Red flags shall be attached to equipment or material that extends more than 4 feet beyond the back of the vehicle. Red flags or approved clearance lights shall be attached to loads extending more than 2 feet beyond the front of the vehicle.
  • Tools, materials or equipment shall not be permitted to extend beyond the permanent fixtures provided on the sides of the trucks.

ACCIDENTS

  • Write down the names, addresses, phone numbers and license numbers of persons involved, including any witnesses. If a minor is involved, obtain parent’s name and business phone number.
  • Notify the police immediately (911), no matter how minor the accident may seem. Make note of which police department was contacted.
  • Find out if anyone is injured. Call for an ambulance (911), if needed. Make note of who was injured and what injuries.
  • Write down the following information regarding the other vehicles(s) involved: the driver of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle, the year/make /model of the vehicle, license plate number, what damage to the vehicle, drivable or not.
  • Do not: admit liability, admit to being at fault, admit to being partially at fault, admit to being responsible, apologize, authorize repairs, discuss insurance and what you believe may or may not be covered, deny or offer payment of medical bills, or discuss insurance and what you believe may or may not be covered, deny or offer payment of medical bills, or discuss the accident with anyone except the police and COMPANY NAME.
  • Preserve evidence - Do not move vehicle until the police have made their report.
  • Photographs - Pictures speak 1,000 words, take photos if possible. Take several, at least one (1) from all four directions, (North, South, East, and West).
  • Notify office at COMPANY NAME (phone number) promptly.
  • If there is damage to our company vehicle, you will need to get two (2) estimates for repairs promptly. These estimates are to be turned in to the office.
  • If the work related incident involves the death of an employee, or hospitalization of three (3) or more employees, OSHA requires verbal reporting within eight (8) hours after the employer learns of the incident, (OSHA: 1-800-321-OSHA or 297-3315). This includes death/hospitalization within thirty (30) days of the same incident, (i.e.: if two (2) employees are hospitalized on the day of the incident, and three (3) weeks later a third employee is hospitalized as a result of that same incident, the incident needs to be reported to OSHA within eight (8) hours of your learning of the third person being hospitalized.
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