08-26-2024 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 61 of 150 Article 20. CITY DRIVING POLICY This policy applies to all employees who drive a vehicle on city business at least once per month, whether driving a city-owned vehicle or their own personal vehicle. It also applies to employees who drive less frequently but whose ability to drive is essential to their job due to the emergency nature of the job. The city expects all employees who are required to drive as part of their job to drive safely and legally while on city business and to maintain a good driving record. Section 20.01 Records Review. The city will examine driving records once per year for all employees who are covered by this policy to determine compliance with this policy. Employees who lose their driver’s license or receive restrictions on their license are required to notify their immediate supervisor on the first workday after any temporary, pending or permanent action is taken on their license and to keep their supervisor informed of any changes thereafter. The city will determine appropriate action on a case-by-case basis. Section 20.02 Cell Phone use while driving. Safety must come before all other concerns. Regardless of the circumstances and in accordance with Minnesota law, employees are required to use hands-free operations or pull off into a parking lot and safely stop the vehicle before placing or accepting a call. Employees are encouraged to refrain from discussion of complicated or emotional matters and to keep their eyes on the road while driving at all times. Special care should be taken in situations where there is traffic or inclement weather, or the employee is driving in an unfamiliar area. • Hands-free equipment will be provided in select city vehicles to facilitate the provisions of this policy. • Reading/sending text messages, making or receiving phone calls, emailing, video calling, scrolling/typing, accessing a webpage, or using non-navigation applications while driving is strictly prohibited. • In accordance with State law, there is an exception to hands free cell phone operations to obtain emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency or serious traffic hazard or prevent a crime from being committed. There is also a State law exception for authorized emergency vehicles while in the performance of official duties. Employees who are charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of their phone while driving will be solely responsible for all liabilities that result from such actions. 120