All employees authorized to drive Company-owned or leased vehicles or personal vehicles in conducting Company business must possess a current, valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Any change in license status or driving record must be reported to management immediately.

Employees must have a valid driver’s license in their possession while operating a vehicle off or on Company property. It is the responsibility of every employee to drive safely and obey all traffic, vehicle safety, and parking laws or regulations. Drivers must demonstrate safe driving habits at all times.

Company-owned or leased vehicles may be used only as authorized by management.

Portable Communication Device Use While Driving

Employees who drive on Company business must abide by all state or local laws prohibiting or limiting portable communication device (PCD) use, including cell phones or personal digital assistants, while driving. Further, even if use is permitted, employees may choose to refrain from using any PCD while driving. “Use” includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person or sending an electronic or text message via the PCD.

Regardless of the circumstances, including slow or stopped traffic, if any use is permitted while driving, employees should proceed to a safe location off the road and safely stop the vehicle before placing or accepting a call. If acceptance of a call is absolutely necessary while the employees are driving, and permitted by law, they must use a hands-free option and advise the caller that they are unable to speak at that time and will return the call shortly.

Under no circumstances should employees feel that they need to place themselves at risk to fulfill business needs.

Since this policy does not require any employee to use a PCD while driving, employees who are charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of their PCDs while driving will be solely responsible for all liabilities that result from such actions.

Texting and e-mailing while driving is prohibited in all circumstances.