Section 403.01

I. Scope:

This standard applies to all members who drive or operate a motorized vehicle owned or used by the department. It was created to:

A. Establish minimum standards for members who are allowed to drive or operate a motorized vehicle.

B. Establish minimum safety regulations for the operation of a motorized vehicle.

II. General:

A. Driver’s license:

1. All members of the department shall have a valid driver’s license that is appropriate for the types of vehicles that they are allowed to operate.

2. All members shall furnish proof of their possession of a valid license anytime that they are requested by a supervisor to do so.

3. Members shall report any changes in the status of their driver’s license to their supervisor. The supervisor shall forward this information to the Fire Chief.

4. Any member who has his license suspended shall notify a supervisor immediately and shall not be allowed to drive or operate a vehicle until the license has been restored. The supervisor shall forward this information to the Fire Chief.

B. No member shall be allowed to drive or operate a vehicle owned or operated by the department until he has successfully completed the necessary training program accepted by the department.

C. All vehicles shall be operated in a safe and prudent manner. All drivers shall comply with all traffic laws and regulations of the department.

D. No driver shall move a vehicle until all passengers in it are in an approved riding position and are properly secured.

E. Drivers responding to emergencies shall comply with the provisions of SOG 404.01, Emergency Response.

E. A driver shall not back a vehicle unless his view is clear an unobstructed. Apparatus shall not be backed unless there is a spotter to the rear of the apparatus to assist in the operation.

A. Drivers shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of their vehicles in all situations.

B. When a driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, the officer shall be responsible for the actions of the driver.

C. The Fire Chief shall monitor the status of all the members of the department to ensure that all those who drive and operate vehicles have had the proper training, possess a valid driver’s license, are insurable and have had a defensive driving course.

D. Drivers shall be responsible for ensuring that all of their vehicle’s equipment is secured, all compartment doors are closed and the vehicle is safe prior to operating them.

A. The driver of a motor vehicle shall immediately inform his supervisor and the RCMP if he is involved in an accident. All reports and information concerning the accident shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief for review.

B. Drivers and supervisors shall be familiar with the provisions of the department’s substance abuse policy. Any driver involved in an accident that falls within the scope of the policy shall be tested whenever required.

C. The supervisor shall notify the Fire Chief whenever an accident involves an injury, fatality or any damage to a vehicle.