PURPOSE:
The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for West Hollywood Station's quality driving program.
SCOPE:
This order is directed to all station lieutenants and sergeants as well as deputy personnel assigned to patrol functions.
ORDER:
This traffic program is intended to augment the initial recruit and in-service driver training programs that are currently being presented to department personnel. A copy of the"Quality Driving Program" document in its entirety can be found in the Watch Sergeants office. This document can be used as a reference guide for safe driving techniques for all West Hollywood Station personnel. Station briefings addressing issues specific to driving will occur on a routine basis. Additionally, field sergeants will rideon a periodic basis with field personnel to evaluate the individual deputy's driving abilities. A driving audit form will be completed by the field sergeant at the conclusion of the ride.
The ultimate goal of this program is to reduce on-duty collisions, employee injuries, 10D time and the department's exposure to civil litigation. Additionally, on-duty personnel involved in a traffic collision will be required to meet with a mentor group consisting of the training sergeant, training deputy, "Quality Driving Program" sergeant and one peer, to discuss any training issues related to the traffic collision. Specific details regarding the cause of the collision, future preventative measures, and any potential driving deficiencies will be addressed during this meeting.
The specific responsibilities of field deputies can be broken down into the following four components: Adherence to department policy, vehicle maintenance and safety, driver attitude and ability, and collision avoidance utilizing defensive driving techniques.
DEPARTMENT POLICY:
All motor vehicles shall be driven with due regard for the safety of all persons on the road. State law, as well as department policies and procedures, shall be adhered to at all times while operating a department vehicle. MANUAL OF POUCY AND PROCEDURES: 3-01/090.10
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY:
A daily vehicle inspection shall be implemented by deputy personnel at the beginning of each shift. Special attention needs to be given to the following areas: visual inspection of tires and wheels looking for tread wear, rim cracks and appropriate tire pressure, properly functioning lights and emergency lighting equipment, body damage, appropriate equipment in the trunk, vehicle interior safety inspection, testing of the brakes and listening for unusual engine noises.
DRIVER ATTITUDE AND ABILITY:
The following are psychological factors that can influence driving ability: overconfidence, pride, inexperience, impatience, discourtesy, vehicle abuse, stress, and attention failure. At least one of these factors often plays a role in on-duty traffic collisions with inattention being one of the primary causes of preventable traffic collisions.
COLLISION AVOIDANCE:
A defensive driver is one who drives in a manner to avoid collisions. This includes avoiding mistakes made by other drivers, and adjusting to any adverse driving conditions encountered. Critical defensive driving techniques include: maintaining a proper space cushion, visually clearing intersections, identifying appropriate areas to make vehicle stops, looking to the rear while backing, maintaining a proper visual horizon, and smooth braking and steering to minimize vehicle weight transfer.