VEHICLE BACKING POLICY (DRAFT) POLICY: RESPONSIBLE ...

VEHICLE BACKING POLICY (DRAFT)

POLICY:

It is the policy of (Insert Name of Member Water District) that each District driver follows safe
vehicle backing procedures in conjunction with this policy. All backing accidents are considered
preventable. By integrating this policy with new hire orientations and defensive driving training,
our assigned drivers will have the knowledge necessary to back vehicles without incident.

RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS:

(Insert name(s) of individual(s) to implement policy)

SCOPE:

All personnel assigned a District vehicle or driving a personal vehicle driving on District business

PROCEDURE:

All new hire orientation and defensive driving training for all assigned drivers are to include
familiarization with the associated hazards where vehicles will be required to perform backing
maneuvers in the execution of their required duties. At a minimum, defensive driving training will
be provided by the District as follows:

 Initial training prior to assignment and authorization
 Refresher training required every four years.
 Additional refresher training based upon performance, near-misses or accidents

Definitions

Vehicle: Any District owned car, SUV, pickup truck, utility truck or vehicles rated less than one-
ton. This includes a personal vehicle driving on District business.

Heavy Duty Vehicle: Any District owned vehicle or dump truck over one ton (flat bed truck, truck
mounted equipment, or heavy equipment)

Parked Vehicle: An unoccupied vehicle shall be considered parked regardless of the time the
driver is out of the vehicle, unless the driver is engaged in stop and go work practices such as
reading water meters, delivering door hangers, etc. involving multiple stops within a very short
time period.

District Driver: An individual assigned a District vehicle or driving a personal vehicle on District
business

I. BACKING PROTOCOL

A. General Rules

1. Avoid backing whenever possible.

2. Partner will act as spotter.

3. Establish signals with spotter before backing.

4. Do not start to back when unsure of the area.

5. Ensure visual and verbal contact with spotter.

6. Ensure mirrors are properly adjusted.

7. STOP IMMEDIATELY when you lose sight of your spotter.

B. Spotter Responsibilities

1. Get out of the vehicle and survey the sides, ground and rear for obstacles.

2. Be familiar with hand signals to be used (Exhibit A - Hand Signals).

3. Stand in the line of sight of the driver, but far enough behind the vehicle to allow for a
safe stopping distance.

4. Never step into the path of the backing unit.

5. Signal the driver immediately if an object or person is in the path of the vehicle.

C. Driver responsibilities in no spotter situations

1. When spotter cannot be obtained, get out of the unit and walk around the unit
completely and survey the backing area.

2. Check overhead clearance.

3. Check ground for softness and hidden hazards.

4. Position mirrors properly.

5. Perform backing maneuver very slowly.

II. Driver and spotter will share equal responsibility in backing accidents. Part of every driver’s
responsibility is to ensure your vehicle is not involved in an accident that could disable the
vehicle, cause property damage or injure individuals.

Violation of this policy may result in the immediate suspension of driving privileges and may be
subject to (Insert Name of Member Water District) disciplinary actions. The District considers
serious misconduct or other work rule violation behaviors to include (but not limited to) the
following:

 Preventable backing accident
 Two or more preventable backing accidents within a twelve month period
 Unacceptable job performance

 An unwillingness or inability to follow District policy and/or supervisor’s direction

Policy for District owned Vehicles and Heavy Equipment

1. The District has established a “Circle of Safety” procedure by providing each vehicle
with a minimum of two 28 inch orange traffic cones. The placement of cones serves as
a visible reminder to walk around the vehicle. Right after parking, the driver leaves the
vehicle and places a cone on the ground at the left rear of the vehicle. Placing a second
cone at the left front of the vehicle can help increase the level of safety. Upon returning
to the vehicle, the driver would pick up each cone and continue to walk around the
vehicle (full circle) to check for obstacles and any persons in the area.

2. Each Department and supervisors shall ensure each District vehicle is equipped with a
safety cone(s) to comply with this standard.

3. Drivers shall place a safety cone behind any District vehicle considered parked, unless
they are parked in a parking lot and are able to leave the parking space without backing.

3. Whenever a District vehicle is parked along a roadway, safety cones shall be placed at
the rear and front of the vehicle on the street side.

4. When backing a parked District vehicle is necessary, drivers shall walk completely
around their vehicle before getting in, pick up the cone(s), and then look over their
shoulder while backing.

5. Drivers are encouraged to back safely into parking spaces as they arrive since they have
a clear view of where they are going to park along with potential obstacles.

6. When backing a heavy duty vehicle, another employee should "spot" the driver
whenever possible. Every effort should be taken to locate and utilize a "spotter". When a
spotter is not available, drivers shall walk completely around their vehicle before getting
in, pick up the cone(s), and carefully watch the area they are backing into.

7. Operation of all vehicles shall be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

8. Failure to follow this policy will be treated as a violation of District policy and may result
in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The District considers serious
misconduct or other work rule violation behaviors to include (but not limited to) the
following:
 Preventable backing accident
 Two or more preventable backing accidents within a twelve month period
 Unacceptable job performance
 An unwillingness or inability to follow District policy and/or supervisor’s direction

How to perform the “Circle of Safety”

Note: Placing a second cone at the left front of the vehicle can help increase the level
of safety.

Policy for Personal Vehicles Driving on District Business
All employees are encouraged to park other vehicles such that the vehicle will be driven forward
from the parking space whenever possible and practical. Employees are encouraged to back
vehicles into the parking space or pull forward into a double space so that when leaving the
parking space, the car is driven forward.
When backing any parked vehicle is necessary, drivers are encouraged to walk completely
around their vehicle before getting in and then look over their shoulder while backing.
Operation of all vehicles shall be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to
follow this policy will be treated as a violation of District policy and may result in disciplinary
action, up to and including termination. The District considers serious misconduct or other work
rule violation behaviors to include (but not limited to) the following:

 Preventable backing accident
 Two or more preventable backing accidents within a twelve month period
 Unacceptable job performance
 An unwillingness or inability to follow District policy and/or supervisor’s direction

EXHIBIT A - HAND SIGNALS
STRAIGHT BACKWARD or FORWARD - To move the vehicle in a straight line either forward
or backward.

Actions: Both arms extended forward and slightly wider than the body, parallel to the
ground. Palms shall face the direction of desired travel. Together bend both arms repeatedly
toward the head and chest then extend.

TURN – To move the vehicle either to the right or left while the vehicle is moving
Actions: Both arms pointing the same direction with index fingers extended. (Driver will
advise the spotter which way the turn will be made. The spotter then assists the driver in

backing the vehicle. The driver's intentions must be verbally communicated to the
spotter.)

DISTANCE TO STOPPING POINT – To provide the driver a visual reference for the distance to
the stop point.

Actions: Both arms extended sideways with elbows bent upward at 90 degrees. Palms
facing forwards. Keep hands above head bringing elbows forward as the distance
narrows. As the elbows reach the straightforward position continue the hands coming
together above the head to indicate the stop point is being reached. Upon reaching the
stop point, give the “STOP” signal.

STOP – Stop all movement of the vehicle, await further instructions
Actions: Both arms crossed with hands in fist. Be sure to yell the stop order loud
enough that the driver can hear the warning.

Night Backing

Signals will be the same. The spotter will ensure that the backup lights on the rear of the vehicle
are operational before the vehicle is to be moved. Flashlights may be used, but at no time will
they be directed toward the mirrors.

Acknowledge and Acceptance:

I have received a copy of the (Insert Name of Member Water District) Backing Policy dated
____________ on the date listed below. I understand that I am expected to read the entire
policy and implement the procedures, as applicable to my driving assignment and
responsibility. Additionally, I will sign the two copies of this Acknowledgment of Receipt,
retain one copy for myself, and return one copy to the District’s representative listed below on
the date specified. I understand that this form will be retained in my personnel file.

__________________________________ __________________

Signature of Employee Date

__________________________________
Employee's Name - Printed