12 Step Programme for Driving a company vehicle:
1. Step One –
Authorization: are you authorized to drive this vehicle and/or trailer? Larger trailers require a state operators license, the operator is
responsible for procuring and holding this license – also knowing if it is required for the vehicle or rig.
2. Step Two –
Reservation: have you reserved use of the vehicle including purpose and duration with your supervisor?>
3. Step Three –
Vehicle Inspection: the operator is responsible for checking both the interior and exterior of the vehicle and noting the condition.
4. Step Four –
Fuel and Maintenance – the operator is responsible for fueling the vehicle, checking tyre pressure, and the operating systems of the
vehicle and trailer if applicable. Vehicles may not be driven without a spare tyre AND the means to change the tyre. The operator
MUST have either the physical means to change a tyre or the contact information for emergency vehicle service.
5. Step Five –
Safe Driving – the operator must practice safe driving including wearing a seatbelt at all times, obeying speed limits and traffic laws
and using the ‘3 second’ rule to ensure proper stopping distance.
6. Step Six –
Accidents and Incidents – if any accident or incident occurs during the operation of the vehicle, the operator must follow traffic laws,
report the incident to local authorities as may be required-- also to their manager right away.
7. Step Seven –
Returning the vehicle – vehicles must be returned at the conclusion of the reserved period and parked in the location that they were
withdrawn from.
8. Step Eight
Record Keeping – any sign out sheets, mileage/time tracking must be completed when the vehicle is returned.
9. Step Nine
Training and Education – operators should lead by example exhibiting best practices to colleagues and fellow employees including
correcting any improper rig or trailer hitching.
10. Use Violations
Please refer to the table of vehicle use violations.
11. Parking
It is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is parked in a safe location, parking fees are paid. Parking tickets for violations are the
personal financial responsibility of the driver.
12. Final Inspection
Operator must return the vehicle in the condition (or better) than it was received including throwing away all trash, cleaning out
debris and removing personal items.
Prohibited in Company Vehicles
1. **Smoking and Vaping**: Smoking or vaping inside company vehicles is expressly prohibited due to health and cleanliness
concerns.
2. **Alcohol and Drug Use**: Consuming alcohol or drugs while operating a company vehicle is strictly prohibited, as it impairs
judgment and reflexes.
3. **Distracted Driving**: Activities such as texting, talking on the phone without a hands-free device, or using electronic devices for
non-work-related purposes while driving are expressly prohibited.
4. **Reckless or Aggressive Driving**: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and other forms of reckless driving are not
tolerated.
5. **Unauthorized Personal Use**: Using company vehicles for personal errands or trips without proper manager authorization is
typically prohibited.
6. **Overloading**: Exceeding the vehicle's weight limits or carrying items that could obstruct the driver's view is not allowed.
7. **Unauthorized Passengers**: Having passengers who are not employees or authorized for a specific work-related purpose in the
vehicle may be prohibited.
8. **Unreported Accidents or Damage**: Failing to report accidents, collisions, or damage to the vehicle promptly is against
company policy.
9. **Unauthorized Vehicle Modifications**: Making alterations or modifications to company vehicles without proper authorization is
prohibited.
10. **Misuse of Fuel Cards**: Using company fuel cards for personal vehicles or purposes unrelated to work is typically not allowed.
