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Motor Vehicle/Driver Authorization Policy
The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter recently mandated that all Red Cross employees and volunteers who operate Chapter vehicles must comply with the new Motor Vehicle/ Driver Authorization Policy by January 15, 2008 whether they are new to the organization or have been associated with the Red Cross in the past. The information in this section will provide details regarding this new mandate and the protocols that have been outlined.
This policy applies to Chapter-owned vehicles only!!! This includes passenger vehicles, vans and trucks. This policy does not apply to the ERV or LIRV!
The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees and volunteers. The Motor Vehicle Policy applies to all employees and volunteers who operate American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter vehicles or privately-owned motor vehicles while conducting business for the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter.
It is the policy of the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter to make sure its drivers are qualified and legally authorized to safely operate motor vehicles used in the course of company business. Only employees and volunteers who meet the qualifications of the Chapter’s Motor Vehicle Policy are allowed to operate Chapter vehicles or operate personal vehicles on Chapter business.
The organization considers the use of motor vehicles part of the work environment and is committed to promoting a heightened level of employee and volunteer safety awareness and responsible driving behavior. Our efforts and the commitment of staff will prevent vehicle accidents and reduce personal injury and property loss claims. This program requires the full cooperation of each driver to operate vehicles safely and to adhere to the responsibilities outlined in the Fleet Management Program. Elements of this program include but are not limited to:
- Vehicle use and insurance requirements.
- Driver’s license checks and identification of high risk drivers.
- Accident reporting and investigation.
- Vehicle maintenance.
- Training standards.
- Safety regulations.
Management reserves the right to revise and change the Motor Vehicle Policy in accordance with Chapter needs at any time.
All drivers are to review the contents of the Motor Vehicle Policy!!! All drivers should be familiar with Chapter protocols regarding:
- Vehicle Accident Reporting Procedures
- Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
- Driver Safety Regulations
- Breakdowns/ Roadside Assistance
- Vehicle Sign Out
- Gas Cards
Click to view the Motor Vehicle Policy
Effective driver qualification controls are important elements of a successful motor vehicle safety program. Management developed and incorporated standards into this program which reflect the skills necessary for satisfactory performance while taking into consideration applicable Federal, state, and local regulations.
To become an Authorized Driver, each of the following steps must be completed:
Step 1: An Authorized Driver Application & Agreement must be completed and signed by the individual requesting driver authorization.
Step 2: Upon completion, the Authorized Driver Application & Agreement should be turned into the Director of Volunteers along with a copy of your current California driver’s license and current First Aid certificate. A copy of your current Adult CPR certificate is highly recommended for volunteers and is required of all employees.
Step 3: Complete the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Government Agency Request for Driver License/Identification Record Information Form (INF 254). Upon completion, the form should be turned into the Director of Volunteers for processing.
Step 4: Complete the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Authorization for Release of Driver Record Information (INF 1101). Upon completion, the form should be turned into the Director of Volunteers for processing.
Step 5: Attend a defensive driving course with a Chapter-approved vendor. Click here for a list of approved vendors. If you have taken a defensive driving course with a vendor that is not on this list, see the Director of Volunteers. You must have proof of course completion.
Step 6: Complete a road test if requesting authorization to drive vehicles other than passenger cars or minivans. This includes trucks and cargo vans. Contact the Director of Volunteers to make arrangements to take a road test.
Step 7: You will be notified as to your status by the Director of Volunteers when all documentation, including your Motor Vehicle Report through the DMV, has been submitted and reviewed. You may not drive Chapter vehicles until you have received this notification!
To simplify the process of determining what is an unacceptable motor vehicle record, a Screening Matrix will be used. Categories of violations are listed, and a 10-point system for evaluating a driver’s record has been established. Any driver having 10 or more total points should be considered unacceptable. The point system is based on a Chapter-developed point system, not the point system used by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Please submit all paperwork to:
A driver will be considered unacceptable if the driver is under the age of 18 or if the driver’s accident/ violation history in the past five years includes one or more of the following:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Refusal to take test.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Any felony, homicide or manslaughter involving the use of a motor vehicle.
- Failure to promptly report an accident in a Red Cross vehicle which the employee/volunteer is involved.
- Operating a Chapter vehicle during a period of suspension or revocation.
- Permitting an unlicensed person to drive a Chapter vehicle.
- Speeding (More than 3 convictions in a 3-year period).
- Two preventable accidents in a 12-month period.
If you have difficulties with this process, please send us an email. We will happily assist you through the process.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this new policy, please send an email to Julie Jeakle. |
Driver Disqualification
