Vehicle Safety

1. The use and operation of all City owned vehicles or motorized equipment shall be in a safe and prudent manner to protect the operator, passengers, pedestrians and property of the City of St. Louis and the general public.

NOTE: Vehicle is defined as motor vehicles which may be licensed for operation on the roadways of Missouri. Motorized equipment is defined as construction and maintenance equipment (such as, mowers, excavating equipment, bucket loaders and similar vehicles) which is generally not driven or licensed to drive on the roadways of Missouri.

2. All operators of City owned motorized equipment shall be required to pass a department developed equipment operations test. This test shall consist of both driving and operating procedures; such as backing, stopping, parking, turning and shall include any other operation which may apply to the specific types of equipment being operated. A qualified instructor shall be appointed by the Department Head.

3. A City approved Defensive Driving Course must be taken by all operators of City owned motor vehicles and by City employees who drive their personally owned vehicles on City business. This training must be taken within the first year of employment and every 3 years thereafter.

4. It shall be the responsibility of the employee operating a City owned vehicle, or piece of motorized equipment, to perform both the daily pre-operation check and the post-trip inspection forms for that vehicle or equipment. All mechanical and/or safety defects shall be immediately reported to the supervisor who must then determine if the vehicle shall remain in service.

5. Safety belts shall be worn by all operators of City owned vehicles and equipment. Passengers in City owned vehicles shall also wear safety belts when available.

6. All employees who operate a City owned motor vehicle must possess a valid Missouri driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle being operated.