Don't Answer that Cell
By 250 News
Tuesday, March 03, 2009 03:52 AM
Prince George, B.C.- There is a new policy in place for City staff when it comes to using any kind of communication device while using City equipment, or on City business.
The policy calls on employees to wait until they have an opportunity to stop the equipment, or in the case of driving, pull over to the side of the road, to answers calls.
The policy will apply to cell phones, radios, pagers, blackberries any kind of communication device.
Administration says it has researched the effect mobile communication device usage has on drivers and has found that:
• 73% of drivers now use mobile communication devices.
• Drivers’ visibility is hampered by cell phone and hands-free units.
• The reaction time of drivers who use such devices is slowed by 18%.
• Driver distraction impairs awareness, decision making, and overall driver performance.
• Distracted drivers are more likely to run traffic lights.
• Distracted drivers are four times more likely to have accidents.
Under the policy, City employees are prohibited from making, receiving or checking messages on mobile communications. When placing calls, the employee must first safely pull off the roadway and come to a complete stop. Incoming calls must go to voice mail, to be retrieved and responded to when the employee is not driving.
The two-way radio may be used to inform a driver that they should phone when safe to do so. Two-way radio messages must be kept as brief as possible.
When available, passengers may take or send calls.
The only exception would be if an employee must make an emergency call (911) the vehicle should be pulled safely to the side of the road out of traffic.
The policy will apply to all City staff and others who may be operating City owned equipment and vehicles, including those using personal vehicles on City related business.
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Posted by: BCRacer on March 3 2009 7:04 AM
metalman.