EEAE - Vehicle Use Policy
VEHICLE USE POLICY
School vehicles, also known as fleet vehicles, are provided for Acton School Department employees and transportation contractors, when traveling to and from out of district schools for Special Education or other approved activities. This policy does not cover the use of school buses. The fleet vehicles are maintained by and procured from the Acton School Transportation Department.
The following policy guidelines have been placed into effect to promote a consistent and impartial system for the use of the vehicles as well as reduce the potential for liability in the event of an accident.
Authorized Use of Fleet Vehicles
Only Acton School Department employees and transportation contractors may operate the fleet vehicle.
School-owned vehicles are to be used for official school travel by employees, school committee members, transportation contractors, and authorized volunteers.
School employees using school-owned vehicles are not permitted to transport family, friends, non-school business commuters or animals except for "service animals", unless approved by the Superintendent/Principal on a case by case basis.
The employee/volunteer must possess a valid Maine driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. No student or other non-school employee or unapproved volunteer may operate the vehicle.
Unauthorized Use of Fleet Vehicles
Fleet vehicles are not to be used for personal use at any time. When at an approved school activity reasonable judgment must be used regarding the use of the fleet vehicle.
Misuse of the fleet vehicle may result in the suspension of privileges to use a fleet vehicle and or other disciplinary action by the Acton School Department.
Seat Belt Use Required
It is the Acton School Department policy that seat belts be used at all times, not only by the driver but by all passengers as well. Drivers of a school fleet vehicle are prohibited from overloading and/or overcrowding a vehicle that may result in unsafe operation. It is imperative not to carry more passengers than the number of occupant safety restraint systems (seatbelts) in the fleet vehicle. Drivers are responsible for wearing and enforcing the use of seatbelts by all occupants or passengers.
Cell Phone/Personal Computing Device Usage
The safest way to use any cell phone or personal computing device while driving is to pull over to a safe location and park the fleet vehicle and then talk. Texting or typing, with any device, while driving a school fleet vehicle is strictly prohibited.
Moving Traffic Violations
Any school employee operating a fleet vehicle is expected to obey all traffic laws and regulations. Any school employee receiving a citation while operating a fleet vehicle is responsible for paying the cost of the citation and any other expenses incurred as a result of the citation.
Violations such as parking tickets are also the responsibility of the school employee in charge of the fleet vehicle when such a ticket is issued.
Accidents
In the event of an accident the driver of a school fleet vehicle shall immediately call 911. The driver shall give an assessment of any injuries and the seriousness of the accident.
The driver of the school fleet vehicle should then notify the Superintendent/Principal and or the Acton Transportation Department and/or the Business Office.
The Superintendent/Principal will arrange for another school fleet vehicle to go to the accident site to either continue the route or, if necessary, to transport students to the hospital at the direction of emergency personnel.
Administrators, or their designee(s), at the scene of the accident will account for all passengers who were riding in the school fleet vehicle.
The Superintendent/Principal/designee will notify parents of students' involvement in the accident. If students are transported to the hospital, parents should be notified to report there. The duty may be organized on a shared basis so as to expedite the notification process.
If passengers are transported to the hospital, counselors may be notified to report there. Crisis and emergency response procedures as outlined in school policy may be implemented.
Minor accidents not needing emergency response should be reported immediately to the Superintendent/Principal and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Acton School Department fleet vehicles have a current registration and insurance card located in the glove compartment of each vehicle. This information along with your driver's license will need to be presented to any law enforcement officer at the scene of an accident.
When an accident involves another vehicle, try to obtain the following information:
1. Driver's name (and owner's name if different)
2. Address
3. Telephone number
4. Name of insurance company or policy number
5. VIN, vehicle year, make and model
6. Vehicle license plate number
Obtain the name and address of any investigating law enforcement agency.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Prohibited
No school employee may use or be under the influence of any alcohol, illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs while operating a fleet vehicle. In addition to this, no employee may operate a fleet vehicle for at least four hours after having consumed an alcoholic beverage.
Other Prohibited Items
School district employees are prohibited from carrying or transporting any hazardous material that may pose a risk to the health and safety of the driver or passengers. These materials may include but are not limited to poisonous gas, tear gas, liquid poison, explosives, radioactive materials and firearms. If you are uncertain if a material can be safely transported in a fleet vehicle contact the Transportation Director for further instructions.
Failure to Report
The Acton School Department may recommend termination of employment for failing to immediately call and report any accident to the Transportation Director, Business Manager, or Superintendent/Principal.
Adopted: November 4, 2021
ACTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT