NAO-0072
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NAO0072
02/23/04
SAFE DRIVING PROGRAM
Table Of Contents
1.
3.
Page
Purpose ......................................................................................... 1
1A.
2.
Page i
Statement of Policy .............................................................. 1
Process ......................................................................................... 1
2A.
What Is It ............................................................................. 1
2B.
Why The Need ...................................................................... 1
2C.
What Is The Focus................................................................ 1
2D.
Who Will Be Involved............................................................ 1
Introduction.................................................................................. 2
3A.
GM Safety Belt Program Policy Statement ............................ 2
4.
GM SenseAble Driving Policy ......................................................... 3
5.
Cell Phone Etiquette...................................................................... 4
6.
7.
5A.
If You Place A Call While Driving ......................................... 4
5B.
Before Receiving A Call While Driving .................................. 4
Basic Elements of The Safe Driving Program ............................... 4
6A.
Driver Qualifications ........................................................... 5
6B.
Driver Conduct ..................................................................... 6
6C.
Driver Accountability ........................................................... 7
6D.
Training and Education ....................................................... 8
6E.
Vehicle Maintenance ........................................................... 9
6F.
Performance Measurement Systems .................................... 10
6G.
Recognition ......................................................................... 10
Violations .................................................................................... 11
7A.
Level One Offense Chart ...................................................... 11
7B.
Level Two Offense Chart...................................................... 12
7C.
Special Review Board Action ............................................... 13
8.
Presentation Materials................................................................. 13
9.
Forms .......................................................................................... 13
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Purpose
1A.
Statement of Policy
To reduce the incidents of death, injury, and property damage, the President’s
Council requires all drivers of GM-owned vehicles to drive in a safe manner at all
times. Accordingly, the General Motors Safe Driving Program prescribes certain
mandatory procedures related to operating GM-owned, leased and rented vehicles,
including rental vehicles used while conducting GM business. The procedures are
designed to support our fundamental belief that most crashes are preventable. This
vehicle safety program is consistent with and supports the GM Health and Safety
policy, which states our commitment to protecting the health and safety of each
employee as the overriding priority of the Corporation.
2.
Process
2A.
What Is It
On September 7, 1994, the President’s Council announced a new GM
Health and Safety Policy making the health and safety of each employee the
overriding priority of this Corporation.
In keeping with this commitment, the President’s Council subsequently
approved the General Motors Safe Driving Program.

2B.
2C.
The program is based on the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the
largest single cause of accidental deaths and injuries, both on and off
the job, and yet most of them are preventable.
Why The Need

Most companies with outstanding health and safety records include
safe driving programs as an integral part of their initiatives.

Highway crashes account for the greatest number of occupational
fatalities and injuries, every year.
What Is The Focus
The overall focus is to increase awareness concerning driving safely and to
define driver responsibilities. Initial emphasis is directed toward:
2D.

The proper use of safety belts by employees, retirees and their family
members.

The proper use of child restraints, where appropriate, by employees,
retirees and their family members.

Alerting employees, retirees and their family members to the dangers
of drinking and driving.

Creating awareness promoting appropriate driving behaviors.
Who Will Be Involved

Drivers of assigned GM-owned vehicles.


All GM employees.
Employees using rental vehicles while on company business.

All non-employees who have occasion to drive GM-owned vehicles.
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Introduction
General Motors is committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees.
With this commitment in place, the goal of General Motors is to eliminate, to the
greatest extent possible, vehicle-related deaths and injuries.
GM employees should lead the way in safe vehicle operation. As a Corporation,
our objective is to set the safety standards for fleet and private passenger vehicle
operation throughout the world.
General Motors is committed to building value into every car and truck by
continually increasing the effectiveness of safety equipment.
While GM
designers, engineers, assemblers and inspectors are focused on turning out
exceptionally safe vehicles, the critical component in maximizing the return on
the built-in safety is the driver. No matter how safe vehicles are, unless every
driver is committed to operating the vehicle in a safe manner, motor vehicle
crashes and their unfortunate consequences will continue.
Forty percent of industrial deaths are transportation-related and, of that total, 50
percent are vehicle-related traffic deaths.
Driver error is the predominant cause of most vehicle crashes.
Driving while impaired is the leading cause of traffic deaths, injuries, and
property damage. Approximately 30,000 people every year will suffer permanent
work-related disabilities from alcohol-related crashes.
While the primary focus of this safe driving program is the prevention of unsafe
acts, it also has been found that unsafe conditions are much better handled by
drivers who are aware, trained, and motivated. This program is designed to
highlight both unsafe conditions and acts, which could lead to crashes, and to
reinforce what drivers should know about safe vehicle operation.
The following sections outline the General Motors Safe Driving Program and
provide explanations of company objectives as well as policies to achieve those
objectives.
General Motors believes adherence to these program elements – when combined
with awareness, training and a responsible driving attitude – will provide a safer
environment for all of us.
3A.
GM Safety Belt Program Policy Statement
All employees are required to wear a safety belt properly when operating a
company-owned vehicle, or any vehicle on company premises, or while on any
type of company business. In addition, all occupants are to wear safety belts
or, where appropriate, use child restraints, when riding in a company-owned
vehicle, or in a personal vehicle being used for company business.
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SenseAble Driving Policy
General Motors is committed to protecting the health and safety
of its employees, their families and others on the road. Along
with designing, engineering and manufacturing vehicles with
features to help keep drivers and passengers safe, this commitment includes increasing awareness of the potential dangers
caused by distractions.
Driver distraction comes in many forms – from noisy children in
the back seat to radio dials and hand-held cell phones. To help
minimize distractions, the following policy will apply to all
drivers of company vehicles, and to employees driving their
personal vehicles while on or conducting GM business. As it
relates to cell phone use, the policy applies whether the cell
phone is owned by GM or the individual driver.
GM strongly encourages employees, retirees and their families to follow these
practices whenever driving a vehicle.
 The driver is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle at all times.
Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on the drive.

Exercise good judgment in avoiding distractions, particularly during
challenging driving conditions.

Do not take notes or look up a phone number while driving.

Program your favorite stations into the radio for easy access. Arrange
tapes and CDs in an easy-to-reach place and remove them from their
cases when you are stopped or parked.

Wait until the vehicle is parked before retrieving items that have fallen to
the floor.
 Obey all local ordinances and/or state laws, including those addressing the
use of cellular phones.
 Avoid making or receiving a call while driving in demanding conditions.
 Cellular phones used in a company vehicle, or in a personal vehicle while on
or conducting GM business, should be equipped with hands-free technology
(e.g., voice-activation technology or an ear piece).

Hands-free technology will be provided to users of company-owned
cellular phones.
 Use OnStar Personal Calling or integrated voice activation whenever possible.

Drivers of GM company-owned vehicles equipped with OnStar Personal
Calling should use the feature when placing calls while driving.
 Use pre-stored memory dialing features whenever possible.
 Recognize that talking on a cell phone while driving is different than talking
on a phone while at home or work. Develop and use safe cell phone
practices.
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Cell Phone Etiquette
5A.
If you place a call while driving…
- Take driving conditions into consideration when deciding whether to
place a call.
- When appropriate, ask passengers traveling with you to place calls.
- Set up hands-free devices, such as an earpiece, before driving. Keep
your handheld cellular phone and hands-free equipment in an easy-toreach place.
- Become familiar with how your cellular phone and hands-free attachments work before driving.
- Use memory and speed-dial features whenever possible.
- Inform the person you’re calling that you’re driving, and that you may
need to abruptly end the conversation.
- Avoid making highly emotional or stressful calls while driving.
- If the call warrants all of your attention, pull into a safe location so that
you can give the call and the driver the attention they deserve.
5B.
Before receiving a call while driving…
- Use caller ID features if available to determine the urgency of a call.
- Not all calls need to be answered. Take driving conditions into
consideration before answering a call.
- When appropriate, ask passengers traveling with you to answer calls.
- Allow calls to roll into voicemail whenever possible, especially calls that
are not urgent.
- When speaking to people who are talking on the cellular phone, ask if
they are driving. Inform them that they can end the conversation without warning if the driving conditions dictate.
- Make calls as short as possible; know when to hang up.
6.
Basic Elements of the Safe Driving Program
The General Motors Safe Driving Program consists of the following elements:
A.
Driver qualifications
B.
Driver conduct
C.
Driver accountability
D.
Training and education
E.
Vehicle maintenance
F.
Performance measurement systems
G.
Recognition
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The following sections identify the objectives and policies relative to each of these
elements. Adherence to the elements of the program will result in a safe driving
environment for drivers of GM-owned vehicles and others who use the public
roads.
6A.
Driver Qualifications
Objective: To establish minimum driver qualifications for the safe operation of
GM-owned vehicles.
Policy:
As mandatory prerequisites, drivers of GM-owned vehicles must:
 Have authorization to drive pursuant to requirements established by the
Corporation. No person may operate a GM-owned vehicle until such permission is granted. Employees who are not assigned a vehicle are to receive such
authorization by utilization of an approved GM Vehicle Pass (NAO-0004).
 If currently an assigned driver [i.e., SMVP, PEP, Work-Related Travel driver,
and MVR (GMAC)], complete and submit a Driver Acknowledgement form,
which outlines driver history, driving records criteria, and acknowledgment of
motor vehicle records checks. Unassigned drivers who drive GM-owned
vehicles also must complete this form.
 Have a valid operator’s license in their possession at all times. The license
must be current, comply with applicable laws, with no restrictions. Drivers of
GM-owned vehicles are to immediately report to their supervisor instances in
which their operator’s license has been revoked, suspended, or restricted.
(See Driver Conduct section).
 Display a valid operator’s license to the vehicle key issuer at each vehicle
exchange.
 Unassigned drivers must display a valid operator’s license upon request; the
interval between checks must not exceed 90 days.
 Field travelers, who exchange vehicles at dealerships, must follow the
prescribed guidelines for having their drivers’ license checked.
 Require any person to whom a driver gives permission to operate his/her
vehicle to be in compliance with Driver Conduct Requirements and verify that
the person possesses a valid operator’s license.
 Be at least 21 years of age (unless on company business or accompanied by
an assigned driver), regardless of the class of vehicle operated.
 Be familiar with codes, laws, and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they
operate the vehicle, including those jurisdictions where only occasional travel
is anticipated.
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6B.
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Driver Conduct
Objective: To set specific standards for driver conduct and to reduce the
incidents of unsafe activities, behaviors, and techniques, which could
result in crashes.
Policy:
Drivers of GM-owned vehicles at all times must:
 Wear a safety belt properly when operating a company-owned vehicle or any
vehicle on company premises or while on company business. In addition, all
occupants are to wear safety belts properly or, where appropriate, use child
restraints, when riding in a company-owned vehicle or in a personal vehicle
being used for company business.
 Properly secure children 12 and under in the appropriate child restraint in the
rear seat.
 Never operate a GM-owned vehicle when the ability to do so is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, fatigue, or injury.
 Not have a recent (i.e., within prior 12 month period) motor vehicle conviction
involving:
>
Driving while operator’s license is suspended, revoked, or denied.
>
Vehicular manslaughter, negligent homicide, felonious driving or felony
with a vehicle.
>
Operating a vehicle while impaired, under the influence of alcohol or illegal
drugs, or refusing a sobriety test.
>
Failure to stop or identify after a crash (includes leaving the scene of a
crash, hit and run, giving false information to a law enforcement officer).
>
Eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
>
Traffic violation resulting in another person’s death, catastrophic injury, or
serious injury.
>
Any other significant violation warranting suspension of license.
 Immediately notify their supervisor in the event their operator’s license is
revoked, suspended, or restricted. Also, notify their supervisor if stopped for
impaired driving, driving under the influence, or refusing a breath test. As
soon as Supervisors are notified of these offenses, they are to advise the Safe
Driving Program Administrator at (248) 676-7283 or 8-341-7283.
 Plan trips by determining first if the trip is necessary, selecting the safest
route, departing early enough to observe posted speed and traffic regulations,
and evaluating the impact of current and foreseeable weather conditions.
 Obey all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
 Be accountable for any criminal or civil infractions while operating a GM
owned vehicle. These infractions may be cause for disciplinary action.
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 Drive defensively. This means anticipating situations where incidents are
likely to occur. It also means possessing the skills and knowledge to drive
safely in situations created by the unsafe acts of others or environmental
conditions (i.e., weather, road, etc.).
 Not use radar/laser detection devices in GM-owned vehicles.
 Drivers of GM company owned vehicles are required to review every ESIS
Incident Report involving a collision claim (collision claim is any claim
resulting from being hit or hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian or object with
a GM company owned vehicle) with their supervisor/manager and then have
them sign the ESIS form above the assigned drivers signature.
 Report all incidents/crashes to ESIS involving damage to GM-owned vehicles
as outlined in documentation contained within the glove compartment of the
vehicle or as directed by the company vehicle administrator.
6C.
Driver Accountability
Objective: To set standards by which drivers are held accountable for compliance with the rules for safe operation of GM-owned vehicles. The
operation and care of the vehicles rests with the individual driver.
Management of each business unit is accountable for making safe
driving a priority, for reviewing progress towards continuous
improvement, and for holding their employees accountable for
violations of the General Motors Safe Driving Program policy.
Policy:
As a matter of personal acceptability, drivers of GM-owned vehicles
must:
 Support and maintain the Corporation’s drug-free workplace policy while
operating a GM-owned vehicle.
 Be subject to motor vehicle records checks, especially if they drive GM-owned
vehicles regularly.
 Know that instances of repetitive or major driving infractions, such as
impaired driving, may result in corrective action to include counseling,
remedial drivers training, temporary suspension from driving GM-owned
vehicles, or other sanctions up to and including termination of employment
and/or legal action. For example, receiving a ticket for driving while impaired
by alcohol or drugs in any vehicle will, at a minimum, result in the suspension
of the ability to drive a GM-owned vehicle for a period of one year. All expenses
related to the use of a vehicle for business or personal use during the suspension period (e.g., purchase/lease/rent payments, automobile insurance, fuel,
washes, repairs, etc.) will be the suspended driver’s responsibility and the
driver will not be eligible for reimbursement by the Corporation. In addition,
the mileage allowance ordinarily paid to employees for using their personal
vehicle to conduct GM business will not be paid. Employees may be referred to
Call GM Work Life Plus at 1-800-280-6507 when, in the judgment of the
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General Motors Safe Driving Committee, this course of action is considered
appropriate.
 If involved in a crash with a GM company owned vehicle and convicted of
impaired or drunk driving in connection with that crash, be responsible for the
cost of repair or replacement of the company owned vehicle.
 Be subject to special review when the number of crashes or circumstances
surrounding a crash warrant such a review.
 Be subject to special review when incidents involving crashes occur in which
occupants of the GM-owned vehicle were not properly belted/restrained.
 Be subject to temporary suspension from driving GM owned vehicles if
ticketed, or given a warning, for not wearing a seat belt or not properly
restraining children.
 Be subject to temporary suspension from driving GM owned vehicles if
caught two or more times during seat belt survey checks not wearing a
seat belt.
 Drivers who have been found, by GM management, to have
inappropriately used a GM-owned vehicle will be responsible for the
repair/replacement cost of the vehicle in the event the vehicle is abused,
damaged or stolen. Employees also may be subject to disciplinary action
up to and including discharge.
 Be personally responsible for damages to the vehicle caused by abuse or
inappropriate use of the vehicle. GM-owned vehicles are not be used to transport items which may result in damage to the vehicle.
 Be responsible for all moving and/or stationary violations involving a GMowned vehicle. This includes the prompt payment of fines and/or other
sanctions resulting from violations.
6D. Training & Education
Objective: To ensure that all drivers of GM-owned vehicles are familiar with the
basic requirements of operating a vehicle and to enhance their safe
driving skills.
Policy:
With regard to training and education, drivers of GM-owned vehicles
must:
 Know the rules and policies set forth by this program.
 Become familiar with a GM-owned vehicle prior to undertaking its operation.
In this regard, drivers should refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for information regarding the proper control of the vehicle, braking (including anti-lock
brakes), traction control, steering tips, passing, etc. Drivers should contact
their company vehicle administrator if they have any questions.
 Driver Distraction Demonstration is available on the SenseAble Driving Web
Site. (www.senseabledriving.com) How you deal with the cell phone, radio,
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passengers, pressing schedule and other distractions is a matter of concern to
you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. In this Driver Distraction
Demonstration, choose one of the characters as your driver. An instructor will
evaluate how well you manage the distractions you face en route to your
destination.
 Call GM Work Life plus at 1-800-280-6507 when this course of action is
considered appropriate.
 If required, take the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. This
course is available through GM University on the Internet. (#20984)
 A four-hour hands-on training course is available to all employees stressing
that driving is not a routine activity and that an increased awareness level is
crucial for safe driving. The course was designed to enhance the driver’s skills
by making them more aware of their driving environment and skill level.
(#20985)
 Detailed information can be obtained from the GM University on-line Course
Catalog or by contacting the Safe Driving Program directly at (248) 676-7283
or 8-341-7283.
6E.
Vehicle Maintenance
Objective: To establish mutual (i.e., Corporation and driver) responsibility and
to identify and correct conditions and underlying causes, which may
lead to sub-standard vehicle performance.
Policy:
The Corporation will provide GM-owned vehicles in a superior
condition and normally bear the expense of maintenance. Drivers are
responsible for:
 Immediately reporting to the company vehicle administrator any conditions,
which could lead to a component failure and affect the safe operation of the
vehicle. Drivers also must ensure that such conditions are repaired
immediately.
 In the case of vehicles assigned for evaluation purposes, reporting conditions
by the prescribed means and taking the vehicle to an appropriate location for
required repairs.
 Having all general maintenance completed, as called for in the vehicle’s
maintenance schedule, especially in the case of vehicles, which accumulate
over 5,000 miles.
 Maintaining GM-owned vehicles in superior condition at all times.
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Performance Measurement Systems
Objective: To utilize systems to monitor progress toward meeting the goal of the
program (i.e., reducing the incidents of death, injury, and property
damage through the use of safety belts).
Management from each business unit is required to take a leadership
role and monitor its respective program applications in an effort to
ensure the success of the General Motors Safe Driving Program
objectives.
Policy:
Drivers of GM-owned vehicles must:
 Report all incidents/crashes involving such vehicles using the prescribed
incident/crash report format as directed by the company vehicle administrator. (This information normally will be found in the glove compartment of the
GM-owned vehicle.)
 Drivers of GM company owned vehicles are required to review every ESIS
Incident Report involving a collision claim (collision claim is any claim
resulting from being hit or hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian or object with
a GM company owned vehicle) with their supervisor/manager and then have
them sign the ESIS form above the assigned drivers signature.
 Comply with requests for information about
incidents/crashes, and other operating information.
6G.
driving
experience,
Recognition
Objective: To promote and recognize safe driving practices which support
General Motors’ position as a leader in vehicle safety.
Policy:
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Following an examination of the data collected through the performance measurement system, and other safe driving measurements
such as the percentage of safety belt use, top performers will be
recognized.
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Violations
Any driver of GM-owned vehicles who fails to comply with the General Motors
Safe Driving Program policies set forth in this handbook, will be subject to
corrective action by the Corporation. Management of each business unit is
accountable for making safe driving a priority, for reviewing progress towards
continuous improvement, and for holding their employees accountable for
violations of the General Motors Safe Driving Program policy.
The following criteria has been established to determine appropriate action:
7A.
Level One Offense Chart
Offense
Corrective Action
Violate Safety Belt Law*
(First offense)
One-month suspension
Violate Safety Belt Law*
(More than 1 offense)
Minimum 3-month
suspension
Violate Child Restraint Law*
(First offense)
One-month suspension
Violate Child Restraint Law
(More than 1-offense)
Minimum 3- month
suspension
Violate GM Safety Belt Policy
(After first warning)
One-month suspension
Violate GM Safety Belt Policy
(More than two offenses)
Minimum 3-month
suspension
Failure to Pay Fine
Suspension Until Record Clear
Multiple Failure to Pay Fine
Special Review Board Action
Accumulate 6-11 Points
S.A.F.E. Plus Video and
Workbook
Multiple Crashes
Special Review Board Action
*Violate means, ticketed or given a warning.
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Level Two Offense Chart
Offense
Corrective Action
DUI or Impaired Driving Ticket
Minimum one year*
Two DUI or Impaired Driving Tickets
Minimum five years
Three or more DUI or Impaired
Driving Tickets
Permanent
Refusing a Sobriety Test
Minimum one year*
DUI or Impaired Driving
Conviction (Involving a crash)
Minimum one year*
(Pay for repairs to GM
Vehicle)
Accumulating 12 or More
Points in a 2-Year Period
Minimum one year*
Driving While Operator’s License
is Suspended, Revoked, or Denied
Minimum one year*
Falsified Information on GM
Vehicle Pass or GM Incident Report
Minimum one year*
Failure to Stop or identify After
a Crash (includes leaving the
Scene of a Crash, hit and run,
giving false information to a
law enforcement officer).
Minimum one year*
*Minimum one-year suspension, additional time dependent on Motor Vehicle Record
and circumstances.
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Special Review Board Action

Two DUI’s or impaired driving tickets

Vehicular manslaughter, negligent homicide, felonious driving or felony
with a vehicle

Eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer

Traffic violation resulting in death, catastrophic or serious injury

Any other significant violation warranting a suspension of license

Violating any applicable law, code or regulation while in a GM owned
vehicle or on GM business. (Example: Solicitation of a prostitute)

Any criminal or civil infraction that takes place while in a GM Company
owned vehicle.
Failure to disclose operator’s license suspension, DUI, or impaired
driving ticket will result in an additional one-year suspension.
Note:
In addition to the offenses listed here, the GM Safe Driving
Program reserves the right to review Motor Vehicle Records
and administer the applicable action as necessary.
Violations incurred during the course of your suspension
may result in further corrective action.
8.
Presentation Materials
Our presentation materials are ever changing to remain current.
Please contact the Safe Driving Program office at (248) 676-7283 or 8-341-7283
for more information.
9.
Forms
NAO0041 – Driver Acknowledgement Form
NAO-0004 – GM Vehicle Pass
NAO-0004 is a pre-numbered form that may be procured through your business
unit's normal acquisition process from the corporate forms vendors, Relizon
(formerly Reynolds & Reynolds) or GBS Inc., as appropriate. (4/1/2000)
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