Distracted Driving Policy

Zero Tolerance for Texting & Driving
Effective Date: July 5, 2025

Applies To: All Ritugo drivers, employees, contractors, and any person operating a vehicle for Ritugo business, including use of personal, leased, rental, or company-owned vehicles while logged into the Ritugo platform or performing services.

1. Purpose

Ritugo is committed to protecting drivers, passengers, and the public by preventing crashes, injuries, and legal exposure caused by distracted driving. This policy establishes a zero-tolerance standard for texting while driving and enforces strict limitations on device use while operating a vehicle.

This policy supplements and enforces applicable federal and Utah state law.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and complies with:

• Utah Law: Prohibits manual writing, sending, or reading of text-based communications while operating a moving vehicle and imposes criminal penalties for violations.

• Federal Regulations (FMCSA / 49 C.F.R. §392.80): Prohibit texting while driving for commercial motor vehicle drivers and require carriers to enforce such prohibitions.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Guidance: Recommends employer-level bans exceeding legal minimums due to cognitive distraction risks.

Where multiple standards apply, the stricter standard governs.

3. Definitions

• Texting: Composing, sending, reading, or manually interacting with written communications, including SMS, email, instant messages, or social media.

• Handheld Device Use: Holding, picking up, or physically manipulating a phone, tablet, smartwatch with screen, or similar device while the vehicle is moving.

• Hands-Free Use: Voice-controlled or fixed-mount device use without manual input.

• On Duty: Any time a driver is logged into the Ritugo platform, transporting a passenger, en route to a ride, or using a vehicle for Ritugo business.
  
  

4. Prohibited Conduct (Zero Tolerance Rules)

1. Texting While Driving (Zero Tolerance)
   Drivers may not text while a vehicle is in motion under any circumstances. Any confirmed texting while driving while on duty will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination or permanent deactivation.

2. Handheld Device Use While Driving
   Drivers may not hold or manipulate handheld devices while driving, including browsing apps, reading messages, taking photos, or watching videos.

3. Company Position on Hands-Free Use
   Ritugo strongly discourages all non-emergency phone use, including hands-free use, while driving. Where permitted, hands-free use must be brief, lawful, and must not compromise safety.

4. Passenger as Designated Communicator
   When a passenger is present, drivers should rely on passengers to assist with communications when appropriate.

5. Pre-Trip Preparation
   Route planning, navigation setup, and message handling must be completed before driving or while safely parked.

6. Company Devices & Applications
   Use of any company-issued device or bypassing safety lockout features while driving is strictly prohibited.
   
   

5. Exceptions

• Emergency Use Only:
  Drivers may use a device to contact emergency services (911), law enforcement, or medical personnel when necessary. All other use requires the vehicle to be safely parked.
  
  

6. Monitoring & Verification

Ritugo may use telematics, mobile app telemetry, dashcams, incident reports, or third-party safety tools to detect violations. Monitoring is conducted in compliance with applicable privacy laws and company privacy notices.

Drivers must not disable, tamper with, or attempt to circumvent monitoring systems.

7. Reporting & Investigation

• Suspected distracted driving may be reported by passengers, employees, or third parties. Reports may be anonymous.

• Ritugo will investigate all credible reports using available evidence, including telematics data, video footage, witness statements, and driver interviews.

• Where evidence is inconclusive, remedial measures may still be imposed where safety risk exists.
  
  

8. Discipline & Enforcement

• Texting While Driving: Immediate suspension pending investigation and termination or permanent deactivation upon confirmation.

• Other Handheld Device Use: Progressive discipline may apply, including warnings, suspension, retraining, or termination.

• Tampering with Monitoring Equipment: Grounds for immediate suspension and likely termination.

• Failure to Report Incidents or Misrepresentation: May result in discipline up to termination.

Where federal or state law requires additional action, Ritugo will comply.

9. Post-Incident Procedures

Following any crash or safety incident:

• Secure safety and contact emergency services if needed

• Notify Ritugo Safety within required timeframes

• Cooperate fully with investigations

• Drivers may be removed from service pending review
  
  

10. Training & Acknowledgment

• All drivers must complete distracted-driving prevention training before activation and annually thereafter.

• Drivers must acknowledge this policy in writing as a condition of continued platform access.
  
  

11. Recordkeeping

Ritugo retains records related to distracted driving investigations, training, and enforcement for a minimum of three (3) years or as required by law.

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, safety guidance, or operational practices.