Page 168 - Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual

Section 1000.113 Damaged Vehicles

Any Augusta, Georgia vehicle which has been involved in an accident and must be towed to the
appropriate shop will be under "quarantine" until released by the Director over Risk Management or the
Risk Management Manager. No one is authorized to touch, remove items, move or remove parts, or
otherwise physically alter any part of the vehicle unless authorized to do so by the Director over Risk
Management or the Risk Management Manager. The only exception would be the authorized law
enforcement investigator. This provision will ensure protection of physical evidence for potential
liability.

Section 1000.114 Vehicle Accident Investigation Purpose

The purpose of this section is to establish policy, guidance and assign responsibility for the investigation
of accidents or damage to vehicles owned by Augusta, Georgia.

Section 1000.115 Required Vehicle Accident Investigations

A. A Fleet Accident Report Form RM-FAR or Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident Report will be
completed on the following:
1. Any traffic or non-traffic accident involving an Augusta, Georgia owned vehicle which does
not result in a police report being completed, regardless of the law enforcement agency.
2. Any traffic or non-traffic accident which results in damage to property, Augusta, Georgia or
privately owned, involves an Augusta, Georgia vehicle and for which a Motor Vehicle
Accident Report is not completed.
3. Any traffic or non-traffic accident involving a non-motorized secondary vehicle (i.e. trailer)
which receives damage or causes damage to public or private property and for which a police
report is not completed.
4. Any Augusta, Georgia vehicle which receives damage as a result of vandalism, an unreported
previous accident or is otherwise damaged without the immediate knowledge of the primary
driver or department (for common use vehicles) and a police report is not made out.

Section 1000.116 Vehicle Accident Investigation Responsibilities

A. RESPONSIBILITIES -
1. DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS -
a. Establish procedures to appoint a department investigating officer for any accident
identified in the Accident Investigation Section.
b. Ensure employees designated as drivers are informed of their reporting
responsibilities for vehicle accidents.
c. Ensures an accident investigation is initiated as soon as practical and results are
forwarded to the Risk Management Department within 24 hours of the accident.
2. DEPARTMENT SAFETY OFFICERS -
a. Reviews all department accident reports for completeness and accuracy.
b. Recommends changes in department policy or driving practices as appropriate.
c. Coordinates with the Risk Management Department for technical assistance as
required.
3. DRIVER
a. Report any accident or damage to Augusta, Georgia owned vehicles as described in
Accident Investigation Section
b. Assist in the investigation by writing a full description of the accident or circumstance
of damage.

All Rights Reserved – As approved by the Commission on 05-07-2019 168 | P a g e