A new law that took effect Oct 1 makes driving while talking on a hand-held mobile phone a primary offense.  Police now are able to pull drivers over for talking on a hand-held cell phone.  Drivers caught driving while using a hand-held mobile phone can be fined $75 for a first time-offense, up from $40 under current law, but more for subsequent violations.  The ticket carries non points unless the action contributed to an accident.

CASE EXAMPLE:

A month from now John, a service technician, is ticketed for breaking this law.  You  decide to pay the fine, since John has been a great employee of yours for more than 10 years.  That is not the problem.  The problem comes the following year, when Jack, who has a history of being late and not the best attitude, gets pulled over and fined for the same reason.  You may not remember you paid John’s fine, plus, you justifiably rationalize, Jake doesn’t deserve for you to pay his fine.

Not being consistent is the problem.

SOLUTION:

Review your auto policy (if you don’t have one, or if it has not been updated and signed by your employees in the last 12 months, contact us at Insurance Force and we can get you one).  Make sure you have a section addressing who is responsible for what. Either you pay for traffic violations or the employee pays for their infractions.  The auto policy we provide for our Safety Force clients has a section, Traffic Violations, which states:

Fines for parking or moving violations, towing storage or impoundment are the personal responsibility of the assigned operator.  The company will not condone nor excuse ignorance of any motor vehicle violations that result in court summons being directed to itself as owner of the vehicle.

Each driver is required to report all moving violations to management within 24 hours.  This requirement applies to violations involving the use of any vehicle (company, personal or other) while on company business.  Failure to report violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action, including revoking of driver privileges and possible termination of employment.

Please be aware that motor vehicle violation incurred during non-business (personal use) hours will also affect your driving status as well and are subject to review.

If you have any further questions about this new law or your auto policy, please contact us.