Page 160 - Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual

B. VEHICLE SAFETY

Section 1000.101 General Vehicle Safety Policy

A. Augusta, Georgia vehicles are easily identified as such and thus constitute a traveling
advertisement seen by many citizens. They have very high exposure. In this relationship with
other motorists and pedestrians while operating vehicles, the employee controls an important
influence on public relations. By using courteous, considerate driving habits, employees can
build good public relations if they apply the principles of defensive driving to avoid accidents.
Only employees may drive Augusta, Georgia vehicles. Exceptions may ONLY be approved by
the appropriate Administrator.
B. All drivers of Augusta, Georgia vehicles will abide by the laws, regulations, and directives of
Georgia traffic laws, signs, signals and markings.
C. All drivers of Augusta, Georgia vehicles will abide by local traffic ordinances and driving
regulations.
D. All drivers of Augusta, Georgia vehicles will exercise "due care" in the operation of their vehicle;
specifically, the driver must operate his or her vehicle as a prudent person would in a given
situation, seeking to avoid unreasonable risk of harm to themselves and others. This provision
applies to emergency vehicles and non-emergency vehicles.

Section 1000.102 Vehicle Safety Responsibilities

A. DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS
1. Establish policies for their departments which support safe operation of motor vehicles.
Policies should include driving on improved (hard surface) roadways, unimproved
(dirt/gravel) roadways, and construction areas. Policies will be in written form with copies
to Risk Management.
2. Establish a training program which ensures all employees driving Augusta, Georgia vehicles
are familiar with policies of Augusta, Georgia, as well as the department policies.
3. Ensure all employees driving Augusta, Georgia vehicles attend defensive driving within 6
months of employment. Departments will maintain records of attendance.
4. Ensure all employees driving Augusta, Georgia vehicles have a valid state driver's license and
are full-time employees at least 21 years of age.
5. Assist in the enforcement of policies established by Augusta, Georgia.
6. Establish a system of safety checks for motor vehicles. Safety checks are to be performed by
the driver at the beginning of each driving day. (See Forms RM- sample daily checks).
7. Publish operating procedures for emergency or specialized equipment, procedures will be in
writing. Procedures will be submitted to the Safety Review Committee chairperson and to
the Sheriff's Department for review. Such equipment includes:
a. Police vehicles;
b. Emergency service vehicles;
c. Dump trucks;
d. Any vehicle weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds (Gross Vehicle Weight)
e. ULV Aerosol Generators.
B. SUPERVISORS
1. Ensure drivers conduct daily vehicle inspections.
2. Ensure drivers are trained in the provisions of the Vehicle Safety Section.
3. Perform weekly checks for valid driver's license of employees driving Augusta, Georgia
vehicles.
4. Assist in accident investigations as required.
5. Ensure scheduled maintenance is conducted.

All Rights Reserved – As approved by the Commission on 05-07-2019 160 | P a g e