HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT

MEMORANDUM

June 20, 2008

TO: All Employees

FROM: Nancy A. Carlson
Human Resources and Risk Management Administrator

SUBJECT: USE OF CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING

On July 1, 2008 a new Washington State Law regarding the use of wireless communication devices will go into effect. Specifically, the law reads, “a person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction.“

There are some exceptions to the law which include; public safety personnel operating an authorized emergency vehicle, the coroner, and the prosecuting attorney’s office. The law also exempts an individual that is; reporting illegal activity, summoning medical or other emergency help; calling to prevent injury to a person or property, and those who are required to use a hearing aid.

The law does not completely ban the use of wireless communications devises, as it allows the use if the devise can be used in a “hands-free mode.” Hands-free mode has been defined to mean a wireless communications devise with a speaker phone, headset, or earpiece.

City Administrators understand that many of you depend on your cell phones to communicate with your supervisor, colleagues, and customers of the City, and that many of these calls are made while you’re driving from one appointment to the next. Before we all attach a device to our phones to comply with the law, it is important to remember why this law was passed. The legislative intent of the law reads:

“The use of wireless communications devices by motorists has increased in recent years. While wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies, their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps on Washington state roadways. When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other, their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increases. It is the legislature’s intent to phase out the use of hand=held wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle.

Your safety is the most important issue. Therefore, we would strongly suggest that you pull over to take or make a call. If it is an incoming call that can wait, let the call go to voice mail and return the call when you stop. You are allowed to use your phone while driving only if it has a speaker, or is attached to some other device which makes it hands free. Departments have been authorized to purchase the necessary adaptors to allow you to use your phone, hands free. The Bluetooth device has not been approved.

Thank you for your cooperation and please drive safely.

PLEASE POST THIS NOTICE IN AREAS WHERE EMPLOYEES DO NOT HAVE INDIVIDUAL EMAIL