Kuciel Hawthorne Case Study
Case Background: The District charged Kutina Hawthorne with a preventable accident, failing to exercise good judgment, and violation of District policy regarding use of an electronic device. Ms. Hawthorne was involved in a collision with another vehicle. Video surveillance revealed that while stationary at a traffic signal, she used an electronic device. Shortly afterward, music started to play from the device. As she continued driving, the vehicle towing a trailer positioned ahead of her in the right lane activated the left turn signal to merge into her travel lane. When the other vehicle continued to merge into her travel lane she continued to drive forward and contact was made. Ms. Hawthorne failed to drive defensively. The Accident Review
Unit deemed the accident preventable.
Discipline History: Ms. Hawthorne, in her discipline history has 35 disciplinary actions. The majority of her discipline has been regarding attendance (22), and the others split between accidents (6), and violations of District policy (7).
Recommendation: Labor Relations is recommending termination for Ms. Hawthorne. Progressive discipline was not considered in this case. The Transportation Department has moved forward with recommending termination for all employees who have been involved in an accident, no matter how minor – for both preventable and non-preventable accidents, while listening to or were somehow distracted by an electronic device. The electronic device bulletin notifying employees of this possible discipline consequence was sent out in their last revision dating back to June 9, 2015.
If approved, a First Level Hearing decision to terminate employment will be issued no later than March 9, 2017. Within 20 working days the termination will be enforced by the Operator’s assigned Division.
Unit deemed the accident preventable.
Discipline History: Ms. Hawthorne, in her discipline history has 35 disciplinary actions. The majority of her discipline has been regarding attendance (22), and the others split between accidents (6), and violations of District policy (7).
Recommendation: Labor Relations is recommending termination for Ms. Hawthorne. Progressive discipline was not considered in this case. The Transportation Department has moved forward with recommending termination for all employees who have been involved in an accident, no matter how minor – for both preventable and non-preventable accidents, while listening to or were somehow distracted by an electronic device. The electronic device bulletin notifying employees of this possible discipline consequence was sent out in their last revision dating back to June 9, 2015.
If approved, a First Level Hearing decision to terminate employment will be issued no later than March 9, 2017. Within 20 working days the termination will be enforced by the Operator’s assigned Division.