1. Policies and Procedures
  2. Use of Mobile Devices While Driving

Use of Mobile Devices While Driving

Approved by: Senior Team 08/09/2022
Responsible Office: Risk Management
Responsible Administrator: Director of Risk Management
Date Established: February 2012
Date Last Revised: August 2022

Statement

For the safety of our drivers and all others on the road, use of Mobile Devices as defined below is restricted while driving college vehicles or while driving on college business. This includes the Mobile Device Activities defined below.

Scope / Responsibilities

All employees, students and volunteers who drive on behalf of the college must comply with Mount Holyoke College’s policy on Mobile Device use while driving. This policy applies regardless of whether the individual is driving a college-owned vehicle, a rental, or their own personal vehicle. The policy also applies to golf carts and other such vehicle-like equipment. College drivers are required to abide by this policy or the laws of the state in which they drive, whichever is more stringent. Supervisors are expected to enforce this policy.

Policy

Introduction

An estimated 660,000 drivers are using mobile devices while driving during daylight hours. A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute demonstrated that the manual, visual, and cognitive tasks associated with using hand-held Mobile Devices increased the risk of being involved in an accident by three times. The same study also reported that using Hands-Free Devices involve these same tasks at least half the time, resulting in an increased risk of accidents. It is the responsibility of all members of the community to assess the situation they are in while driving and make decisions about whether the environment is safe for a hands-free conversation.

Policy statement

Individuals driving on college business or operating a College-owned vehicle are required to follow relevant state law while driving with respect to the use of mobile devices including hands-free devices. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is recommended that all individuals driving on college business or operating a College-owned vehicle refrain from using such devices while driving whenever possible.

At the time this policy was drafted, Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including Mobile Devices, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. However, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using hands-free devices of any kind. In accordance with this law, drivers over the age of 18:

  • can only use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode and are only permitted to touch devices to activate hands-free mode.
  • are not permitted to hold or support any electronic device/phone.
  • cannot touch phone except to activate the hands-free mode and can only enable when the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.
  • are not allowed to touch device for texting, emailing, apps, video, or internet use. • are permitted to activate GPS navigation when the device is installed or properly mounted.
  • are only allowed handheld use if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane or a bicycle lane, but is not allowed at red lights or stop signs.
  • are only allowed to use voice to text and communication to electronic devices when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.

The College reserves the right to maintain stricter rules, including prohibiting the use of hands-free devices, for fleet vehicles. Please refer to the Fleet Handbook for current guidelines regarding safe operating procedures for fleet vehicles.

Policy Violations

Violations of college policies are adjudicated according to procedures outlined in the Student Handbook, the Staff Handbook and Faculty Legislation; with disciplinary consequences imposed by the adjudicating authority up to and including dismissal. Some offenses are punishable under state and federal laws.

Procedures

Standards for policy

If the driver must use Mobile Devices while driving on college business or while driving a College owned vehicle; they are advised to stop safely, secure the vehicle, and then engage in Mobile Device activities. It is preferred that Mobile Devices be either physically mounted or integrated via Bluetooth with the vehicle’s audio system. Use of GPS (e.g. – Google maps, Waze) is permissible provided that the intended destination is entered before vehicle operation begins. However, if that is not possible or practical, they are allowed to engage in hands-free use in accordance with relevant state law as outlined in this policy.

Definitions

These definitions apply to terms as they are used in this policy.

  • Mobile Devices. Devices including but not limited to cell- or smart phones or devices, laptop computers, tablets, MP3 players, or navigation systems.
  • Mobile Device Activity. Activity including but not limited to sending or reading text messages or emails, dialing cell phones, engaging in cell phone conversations, inputting data into tablet, laptops, or navigation systems, checking or posting on social media, or using video vehicle entertainment systems while operating a moving vehicle.
  • Hands-Free Devices. Devices including but not limited to a Bluetooth earpiece, a dashboard system installed in the vehicle itself, or a speakerphone feature on the phone.

Related Information

Related Policies

  • Fleet Handbook
    Vehicle safety is the responsibility of every driver. All drivers of the fleet vehicles are expected to follow the rules and procedures established by Five College Risk Management and to abide by all campus regulations and all local, state and federal laws.
  • Driver Credentialing Policy
    All individuals who drive on behalf of the college must be 18 years or older, with a valid license issued from the US or US territories, and must submit to a review of their driving record. The Colleges reserve the right to
    1. remove or deny driving privileges from any student or employee for accidents or violations (including violations of the Driver Agreement) involving College owned or rented vehicles, or
    2. to use guidelines that are stricter than the insurance company's in deciding to authorize or de-credential drivers.

Other Resources