The purpose of this article is to establish the policy and procedures
for the use of Town-owned motor vehicles.
Organizations affected are all departments/divisions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ASSIGNED VEHICLE
Any Town-owned motor vehicle that has been designated for
use by an employee holding a specific position.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Any vehicle that travels on Town streets, including passenger
cars, station wagons, trucks, tractors, street sweepers, police cruisers,
fire vehicles and fire duty officer's vehicles.
OFFICIAL TOWN BUSINESS
Any authorized activity that is related to a Town department/division
function and/or is undertaken because of the specific duties and responsibilities
of an employee's position with the Town.
Each department shall be responsible for ensuring the proper
maintenance and effective deployment of the motor vehicles assigned
to and used in its operation.
In the event of a motor vehicle accident involving property
damage to another vehicle or bodily injury while in a Town-owned vehicle,
the Town employee or department head will be required to submit to
a drug and alcohol test as soon as practical or within eight hours
of that accident if:
A. The accident involved loss of human life or bodily injury;
B. A citation for a moving violation under state or local law was issued;
C. The accident had the potential of causing a loss of human life or
bodily injury.
D. There is property damage to another vehicle.
Police vehicles covered by separate police policy are exempted
from this article. Additionally, all accidents will be reported to
the appropriate department head as well as the Town Manager, Police
Department and Finance Director. In the event of a motor vehicle violation,
the appropriate department head will be notified, as well as the Town
Manager.
Department heads shall be responsible for the enforcement of
the provisions of this regulation.
Any temporary exceptions to the policy or procedures outlined
in this regulation must be approved in writing by the Town Manager
and reported to the Board of Selectmen as to the nature of the exception
and the duration.