(A) Employees shall not use cellular telephones, or any other mobile electronic devices, while operating a motor vehicle to read or respond to emails and text messages, or accessing the internet, unless an exception under division (C) applies. Employees are prohibited from wearing a headset or earphones over or in both ears. This policy is in effect while operating a city-owned vehicle or operating a privately-owned vehicle while conducting city business.
(B) Furthermore, employees, unless an exception under division (C) applies, should consider:
(1) Turning off wireless phones before starting the car.
(2) Pulling over to a safe place and putting the vehicle in “park” if a call must be made or received while on the road.
(3) Modifying voicemail greeting to indicate the employee is unavailable to answer calls or return messages while driving.
(4) Informing clients, associates, and others of this policy and an explanation on why calls may not be returned immediately.
(5) Pulling over to a safe place and putting the vehicle in “park” to make adjustments to a global positioning system or other navigational device.
(C) Pursuant to KRS 189.292, this policy shall not apply to an emergency or public safety vehicle, when the use of a personal communication device is an essential function of the vehicle operator's official duties.
(Ord. 5-11-2023-A, passed 6-8-2023)