Houston Fire Department Motor Vehicle Incidents

Any occurrence involving a City vehicle that results in damage to property, injury, or death.

The days of the week, excluding holidays, during which City operations are conducted.

Any motor-powered vehicle owned or leased by the City of Houston and assigned to the Houston Fire Department, encompassing all licensed passenger vehicles, trucks, specialized vehicles, vans, buses, fire trucks, and motorized equipment.

An employee operating a City vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official City business.

A rapid response by a fire department vehicle to a situation requiring immediate medical care, rescue, or fire suppression.

A detailed process to investigate, document, and review incidents involving City vehicles.

Applying consistent procedures to investigate motor vehicle incidents, ensuring fairness and equity in disciplinary measures.

Analyzing motor vehicle incidents to determine employee involvement, contributing factors, and preventable measures.

Any incident that poses a serious threat to the public and requires immediate action, such as a dangerous situation or a natural disaster.

A collection of documents used to report and document a Motor Vehicle Incident. It typically includes forms for reporting the accident itself, details of damage, and a checklist for documenting key information.

A bodily injury that can result in death, prolonged unconsciousness, severe pain, or lasting impairment of physical or mental functions.

This set of guidelines is intended for all classified employees of the Houston Fire Department.

This refers to the individuals or departments responsible for implementing, complying with, or enforcing the guidelines outlined in the document.

A person designated to guide the driver of a heavy apparatus, ambulance, or medic unit while backing up, ensuring clear passage and safety.

The requirement to have a spotter when backing up is waived for vehicles equipped with a functioning rear-facing backup camera, excluding heavy apparatus and ambulances.

Before backing up a vehicle, the driver should carefully check the area behind the vehicle to ensure there are no obstacles, using mirrors and potentially a backup camera.

Utilizing a cell phone or other electronic devices while driving a city vehicle is prohibited, including talking, texting, and internet access, EXCEPT for navigation purposes while stationary or in hands-free mode for job-related reasons when alone in the vehicle.

A Portable Radio for Communication

An employee's first vehicle incident without any personal injury or property damage does not count towards the three or more incidents required for suspension or demotion. However, every subsequent vehicle incident without personal injury or property damage will count towards the three or more incidents.

A minimum one-day suspension will be given to any employee involved in a motor vehicle incident due to backing up.

The employee can't use their accumulated leave to cover the time of a temporary suspension unless the Fire Chief approves it specifically.

The officer in charge of an apparatus or vehicle involved in an incident will be evaluated to determine their role and potential responsibility for the incident.

If an employee causes a motor vehicle accident while on duty that results in serious bodily injury, they may face disciplinary action up to and including indefinite suspension.

The employee responsible for the City vehicle must contact OEC and decide if the response can continue or if staying at the accident scene is a higher priority.

If the City vehicle can't stay at the accident scene, the "Motor Vehicle Incident Information Sheet" must be left with the other party.

OEC needs to notify the police, Shift Commander, and District Chief in case of a City vehicle accident. Also, a mechanic might be needed.

The District Chief from the district where the accident occurred will investigate the incident, except if the vehicle is assigned to support areas, in which case the equivalent ranking officer will investigate.

If the District Chief's vehicle is involved, the next closest District Chief investigates.

If the incident occurs outside of the City limits, OEC will decide based on factors like resource availability, anticipated downtime, and distance if they should send a District Chief.

The District Chief/Officer checks if police filed a report and investigates the incident.

If OEC decides not to send a District Chief to investigate an incident outside of the City limits, they will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to do it.

The Fire Chief is responsible for imposing corrective actions or discipline when there is a violation of guidelines or policy 2-2, taking into account past actions and mitigating circumstances.

An employee must successfully complete an approved driver safety course within 60 days after causing a vehicle incident, regardless of their previous course attendance.

Corrective actions are determined by the Fire Chief, but can include suspension, demotion, and other penalties.

The severity of disciplinary action for a first motor vehicle incident depends on the amount of damage caused.

If an employee causes a second vehicle incident within a year, the potential disciplinary actions increase in severity, with the amount of damage again being a significant factor.

A third or subsequent vehicle incident within 36 months can lead to a range of disciplinary actions, potentially including a suspension of driving privileges or involuntary demotion.

The severity of disciplinary action for a motor vehicle incident is determined by the Fire Chief, taking into account the amount of damage, the employee's work history, and any mitigating circumstances.

Disciplinary actions can range from short-term suspensions to indefinite suspensions and demotion, depending on the severity of the incident and the employee's history.