USE OF ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE BOARD-OWNED OR OPERATED VEHICLES | Policy Manual

8605 - USE OF ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE BOARD-OWNED OR OPERATED VEHICLES

Personal communication devices ("PCDs"), including PCDs equipped with ear pieces, ear buds, headsets, and/or Bluetooth, shall not be used for sending or reading text messages, or sending or reading e-mails or any other data, anytime the operator is actively driving a District school bus or other Board-owned vehicle during the course of employment, with or without students on board. No driver may use a handheld mobile telephone anytime while operating a Board-owned vehicle including any time where the vehicle is in operation even if temporarily stopped due to traffic or traffic control situation, except to use for navigation directions, provided such directions are inputted into the device while the vehicle is not being operated, or to communicate with law enforcement or other emergency services if necessary.

For purposes of this policy, electronic PCDs include, but are not limited to, cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberries/Smartphones, any text-messaging device, and other WI-FI-enabled or broadband access devices, including computers, but does not include Citizens Band Radio or other two-way device which is installed in the vehicle and communicates directly with District transportation officials and other District vehicles only.

The mobile radio installed on all District-contracted school buses will be the primary communication system for District school bus operators. If the mobile bus radio fails, and the school bus operator's responsibility for the safety and health of the students being transported makes it necessary for the school bus driver to use a PCD while performing bus-operating duties, the school bus operator will depart the roadway, stop the bus in a safe area, and then use the PCD. Before using the PCD to send or receive a text message, the school bus or school vehicle operator must move the vehicle outside all lanes of travel and ensure that the vehicle is in a stationary position by placing the vehicle's transmission in park, or turning off the vehicle's engine, and setting the emergency brake.

Safety is always the priority while driving a Board-ownedvehicle in the course of employment. Any deviation to the above policy will result in disciplinary action as set forth in Board policy, up to and including termination from employment.