AMEND CONTENT

8.8 Vehicle safety regulations

Safety belts:  CARE policy requires drivers and passengers to wear safety belts at all times. Employees who do not wear seatbelts must face disciplinary action.

Helmets:  CARE policy requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

Traffic regulations:  All CARE personnel authorised to drive CARE vehicles must possess a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle they are driving.  International staff should have international driver’s licences. Drivers must obey all traffic regulations of the country. Penalties that are incurred because of failure to abide by these regulations will be the responsibility of the individual. CARE will not be responsible and will not reimburse any fines resulting due to a traffic violation.

Telecommunications: All vehicles must have means of communication with the base station or office. This could be cell/mobile phones, vehicle-mounted radios or satellite phones (see the chapter on Telecommunications and IT).

Passengers:  Only authorised CARE personnel and CARE project partners are permitted to travel in CARE vehicles. Persons with arms and/or ammunition are not permitted to travel in CARE vehicles. If you are confronted by armed security/military personnel to be given a lift, politely decline.

Driving under the influence of alcohol:  CARE staff are forbidden to drive after consuming alcohol or any intoxicating substance.

Safety equipment:  Ensure that each vehicle has the following safety equipment:

  • fire extinguisher
  • first aid kit
  • jack, jack handle and wheel spanner
  • standard tool kit to a four-wheel drive vehicle

Other do’s and don’ts

  • Observe speed limits.
  • Check vehicle documents to ensure that they are current and in order.
  • Check vehicle for roadworthiness-condition of tyres, functioning lights, indicators, brakes and windscreen wipers.
  • Do not overload the vehicles, either in terms of passengers or weight of cargo
  • Keep all doors fully locked and ensure that windows are also closed properly.
  • Do not park vehicles in known security risk areas.
  • Night parking should only be at authorised places, namely in a CARE compound or residence.
  • Vehicles should not be parked anywhere while containing any goods and/or equipment, especially at night. As far as possible, such items should be removed from the vehicle and placed in a secure storage place.
  • Avoid night travel as much as possible.
  • Observe curfew regulations as they are enforced.
  • If confronted by thieves or armed bandits, do not resist. Calmly get out of the vehicle and follow instructions. Personal safety comes first. All such incidents should be reported to the Country Director and the local police immediately.
  • Always carry important telephone numbers in the glove compartment-this may come in handy in an emergency situation.

See also the Chapter on Safety and security