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CITY OF BILLINGS SEAT BELT POLICY POLICY Motor vehicles purchased by the City of Billings are equipped with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Standards. All employees who drive city vehicles shall use and ensure that all passengers use available safety belt equipment installed in the vehicle being operated. The following applies to employees driving City-owned vehicles and to employees driving their own vehicles on City business. For purposes of this policy, the term "employee" is inclusive of both supervisory and non-supervisory employees. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all city personnel and passengers use available safety belt equipment in motor vehicles in accordance with State statute. Numerous studies have shown that the use of restraint devices reduces the possibility of death or serious injury in case of an accident. PROCEDURE A. City employees must ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are properly using their safety belt(s) before moving the vehicle. B. If an employee is observed failing to utilize seat belts, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action. C. If an employee is involved in an accident, was not wearing his eat belt, and subsequently receives an injury that is directly related to not wearing his seat belt, or the injury is aggravated by not wearing his seat belt, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action. D. If an employee receives a police citation for not wearing his seat belt, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action. EXCEPTIONS Provisions of this policy do not apply to: 1. Occupants who are unable to wear a seat belt due to medical reasons validated by a written statement from a licensed physician. 2. Occupants who cannot use a seat belt because other occupants are using all seat belts. 3. An occupant who is exempt from wearing his seat belt by an express provision in State statutes.