This agreement applies to all employees who operate personal vehicles for company-related business. Safe driving is essential—not only to protect company property, but to safeguard lives. Drivers are expected to follow all state and local traffic laws and operate vehicles in a courteous, professional, and safety-first manner always.

 

1. Driver Eligibility

• All drivers must maintain a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle being operated. The license must always be carried while driving.
• Drivers must immediately notify Management if their license is suspended, revoked, or otherwise becomes invalid.
• Only one valid driver’s license can be held at a time (from the driver's primary state of residence).
• All vehicle-related incidents, no matter how minor or where they occur (even on private property), must be reported immediately to local authorities (dial 911) and to Executive Management. Failure to stop and report may result in immediate termination.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any impairing substance is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination.
• Possession of alcohol or drugs in a vehicle while on duty is prohibited unless explicitly authorized for a specific company-related purpose.

 

2. Driving Standards

• All occupants must always wear seat belts. No exceptions.
• Drivers are expected to comply with all traffic laws and instructions from law enforcement.
• Fines, penalties, or citations (including parking violations) are the personal responsibility of the driver.
• Only as many passengers as there are seat belts may ride in a vehicle. Riding in cargo areas, such as the bed of a pickup truck, is prohibited.
• Picking up hitchhikers is strictly prohibited.
• Loads must be properly secured. Drivers are responsible for ensuring cargo does not shift or pose a hazard.
• Transport of flammable liquids or gases is only permitted in limited quantities and with approved containers.
• Do not render aid to motorists or accident victims beyond your certified training. Instead, contact emergency responders.
• Always maintain a safe following distance. Use the "Timed Interval Rule": One second of space per 10 feet of vehicle length, never less than two seconds.

 

3. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Checks

• Taste Buds Management reserves the right to review driving records before hiring and on an annual basis. Poor driving history may result in loss of driving privileges or employment.

 

4. Vehicle Maintenance

• Employees using personal vehicles for company purposes must keep them in safe operating condition.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and document services.
• Failure to maintain vehicles may result in revoked driving privileges.

 

5. Vehicle Security

• Always lock the vehicle and remove keys when unattended.
• Do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle. Secure them in the trunk, take them with you, or conceal them out of sight.
• If leaving the vehicle with a valet or attendant, provide only the ignition key.

 

6. Insurance Requirements

• Drivers using personal vehicles for company business (regardless of mileage reimbursement) must maintain auto liability insurance meeting or exceeding minimum coverage required by law in Louisiana and/or Mississippi.
• Vehicles must also maintain valid registration and inspection certificates.

 

7. Mobile Device Usage While Driving

The safety of our drivers, other motorists, and the public is a top priority at Taste Buds Management. Mobile devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and GPS units—can create dangerous distractions while operating a vehicle. Therefore, the following standards apply:

 

• No Handheld Use While Driving: Drivers are strictly prohibited from using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle. This includes texting, dialing, scrolling, app usage, or holding a device—even at red lights or in slow traffic.
• Hands-Free Only: Drivers may use voice-activated, hands-free technology (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.) for business-related calls only, and only when traffic and road conditions allow it. If a hands-free setup is not available, calls must wait until the driver is safely parked.
• No Texting or Typing: Texting, typing, emailing, or interacting with apps is always prohibited while driving. This includes using a device for GPS input unless the vehicle is parked.
• Plan: Drivers are encouraged to set GPS routes, review delivery instructions, or make necessary calls before beginning a trip. Route planning must never be done while the vehicle is in motion.
• Pull Over Safely to Use a Device: If communication is necessary during a drive and hands-free is not an option, the driver must pull over to a safe location and park the vehicle before using a device.
• No Video Calls, Streaming, or Content Viewing While Driving: The use of devices for video calls (FaceTime, Zoom), media streaming, or content viewing is strictly prohibited while operating a vehicle.
• Smartwatches and Wearables: Glancing at notifications on a smartwatch while driving is discouraged. Interaction with wearable devices must follow the same rules as phones: pull over before use.
• Emergencies Only: In case of emergencies, such as accidents or hazardous conditions, drivers may use a mobile device to contact emergency services (e.g., dialing 911). Always ensure the vehicle is safely stopped, if possible. Suspend all conversations during hazardous conditions.

 

8. Agreement and Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above driver agreement. I agree to comply with all guidelines and understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including loss of driving privileges or termination of employment.