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Fremont County adopts mandatory defensive‑driving training for employees and elected officials
Summary
The county approved a motion requiring employees and elected officials who may operate county vehicles or heavy equipment to complete a defensive‑driving course within three months of assignment; staff will develop an equipment safety class and accept prior certifications where applicable.
The Fremont County Board voted to require all employees and elected officials who operate county vehicles or heavy equipment to complete a defensive‑driving course within three months of beginning that duty and to take an annual refresher, the commission announced after a motion and vote.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the change responds to a recent county vehicle incident and aims to reduce accidents and administrative burdens that follow crashes. During discussion, commissioners and staff noted that some agencies (for example, the sheriff’s office) already require driving training and that proof of prior certification would be accepted and filed in personnel records.
Key details: The motion instructs county staff to identify an online defensive‑driving program (meeting participants said a free program exists) and to set a schedule for completion. The board also directed county managers (Adam and Billy were named in discussion) to develop an online equipment‑safety class covering heavy equipment and other non‑vehicle county machinery; that program will be developed and presented later for implementation.
Debate and implementation notes: Commissioners discussed the deadline for initial training; one commissioner proposed three months rather than six or 12. The board agreed that training should not be a one‑time requirement and should include an annual refresher. The board also agreed to accept certificates from prior training when present and to file them in personnel files.
Vote: Commissioners voted in favor; the motion passed. Staff will return with program details and implementation steps.
Ending: The board instructed staff to provide course options, process for tracking certificates and a proposed schedule for the equipment‑safety course at a future meeting.
