NOTE: This policy expands on and replaces CHV Program policy IV.7. It incorporates Covenant House Corporate policy H-8.
I. POLICY
An agency vehicle may be made available to a licensed staff member or volunteer of Covenant House Vancouver for the use of conducting agency business. The operator of the vehicle will assume responsibility for all tickets and damages incurred due to negligence while the vehicle is assigned to him or her.
II. PURPOSE
To ensure that safety and protection of all individuals either operate a vehicle or a passenger in a vehicle being used for the purpose of conducting Agency business.
III. PROCEDURE
1. An Application to be a Covenant House Designated Driver from must be completed by all persons requesting to use Agency vehicle or any vehicle for conducting Agency Business. The applicant must attach a copy of their valid BC driver’s license (minimum class 5, appropriate for the vehicle and a copy of their current driver’s abstract. See Procedures for Employees & Volunteers to be entitled to operate CHV vehicles.
2. Absent a written exception by department director, persons with unsafe driving records shall not be permitted to use Agency vehicles or any other vehicle for conducting Agency business. Unsafe driving records include:
a) More than two moving violations having occurred within the last three years.
b) A “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while under the influence” violation occurring within the last five years.
c) The driver’s license being suspended or revoked within the last three years.
3. Anyone using a vehicle other than an Agency vehicle must produce proof of current automobile insurance and proof that personal automobile insurance carrier has been notified that personal vehicle is being used to conduct Agency business. Until such a time as information has been obtained from the personal automobile insurance carrier and the employee has received authorization to use a vehicle, other than an Agency vehicle, the employee will not be permitted use of the vehicle for conducting Agency business. (To whatever means possible, use of a personal vehicle for Agency business should be discouraged).
4. Driving Record Search will be reviewed by the Senior Operations Manager or Designate, updated every two years on all persons using Agency vehicles or any other vehicles. In addition to biennial review, the agency also reserves the right to review motor vehicle records at any other time.
5. Individuals who fail to meet the Agency’s insurance company’s criteria should either be required to complete a defensive driver’s course, at their own expense, or be restrained from driving Agency vehicle or any other vehicle for the purpose of conducting Agency business.
6. Drivers of Agency’s vehicle and staff using their own vehicle for the purpose of conducting Agency business must immediately report to Senior Operations Manager or Designate, violations, tickets and citations received including those received during non- working hours. Failure to do so will jeopardize continued employment.
7. All drivers of Agency vehicles are subject to the final approval of the Agency’s automobile insurance carrier. The insurance carrier reserves the right to bar a staff member from operating an Agency vehicle for reasons it deems necessary at any time.
8. Prior to use, vehicle must be reserved through the Administrative Services. Emergency transports and vehicle repairs will take preference over any other prior reservation.
9. The Driver will document the following on the vehicle log located in each vehicle:
- Date
- Odometer reading(beginning and end)
- Total kilometers
- Department or Program
- Purpose of trip and destination
- Drivers print name and signature
- Condition of the vehicle: Report deficiencies to Senior Operations Manager or Designate by Work Request (Facility Dude)
- Complete a Pre-Trip Inspection check list
10. Each assigned user will be responsible for a complete pre-trip inspection prior to each use and maintaining the cleanliness of the vehicle interior.
11. The Driver will immediately report any collisions; with vehicles or non-moving objects, to the Senior Operations Manager, by telephone or email
12. Each assigned user will be responsible for refilling vehicle(s) using a Business gasoline card. In emergency cases such as low oil, oil products only can be purchased on the Business gasoline card. Lost or Stolen cards should be reported immediately to the Senior Operations Manager or Designate.
13. Upon return to either 575 Drake Street, 326 West Pender Street or 1302 Seymour Street, the vehicle keys must be returned to the Administrative Services or lock box.
14. The Building Services Department will be responsible for maintenance of the vehicle. Report deficiencies to Senior Operations Manager or Designate by Work Request (Facility Dude) to the Building Services Department.
15. Operator and all passengers must wear properly secured seat belts at all time.
16. All doors must be closed and latched while the vehicle is in motion.
17. Smoking in Agency vehicles, or other vehicles used for conducting Agency Business is prohibited.
18. The consumption of food and drink inside the vehicle is prohibited
19. The use of a hand held device i.e. cellular phone is prohibited while the vehicle is in motion.
20. The parking break must be engaged when the vehicle is left unattended and the wheels blocked or chocked if the circumstances require.
21. No more than six passengers will be transported at a time or the vehicle allowable occupancy (must have seat belts for all passengers).
22. Staff will not transport one resident alone, unless approved by their Department Manager.