Commissioners back distracted‑driver training for county vehicle operators

Hardin County Commissioners Court heard a presentation Tuesday from Commissioner Charlotte Cook and the county safety committee recommending distracted‑driver training for all employees who operate county‑insured vehicles.

Commissioner Cook said automobile liability and property‑damage crashes were the committee’s top liability concern. The committee recommended training that addresses common in‑vehicle distractions — including cell phones, passengers and radios — and suggested the sheriff’s office could provide tailored classes for civilian drivers. Captain Dela Serva of the sheriff’s office was identified as a potential trainer for civilian courses.

Court members discussed logistics, including offering multiple short sessions so departments would not be crippled by staff absence and keeping classes to one or two hours. The sheriff’s office confirmed that similar continuing‑education offerings for certified officers are optional rather than mandatory, so the proposed civilian training would be newly required for county vehicle operators if the court directs it.

The court agreed the training was a good idea and asked staff to coordinate scheduling through the sheriff so multiple sessions could be offered to different departments. No formal ordinance or budget action was taken at the meeting; the item remained a discussion and planning direction to staff.