Fleet Safety Program for University Vehicles
University Vehicle Defined: For purposes of this program, “university vehicle” shall include any university owned vehicle, any vehicle rented in the name of the University for University purposes, leased vehicle or courtesy vehicle made available for conducting University business.
General:
It is important that each driver while using a University vehicle
Keep safety above expedience,
Comply with all traffic laws and safe driving practices,
Ensure that the safety of the public, University employees and passengers are paramount, and
Drive to prevent accidents in spite of incorrect actions of others and adverse conditions.
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EMU encourages the use of university owned vehicles for EMU functions, and also recognizes that at times the use of a rental or personal vehicle is appropriate and necessary.
University vehicles are to be used only for approved EMU activities
The Director of Physical Plant may authorize usage by other agencies or organizations whose activities are supportive of the mission of Eastern Mennonite University.
Objectives:
The primary objective of this program is to provide for the protection and safety of human life.
A secondary objective is the protection of University assets which are exposed to daily accidental loss and to manage risk in order to control insurance costs.
A third objective is to avoid unfavorable publicity that may result from accidents.
Responsibilities: Safety in University vehicles is a responsibility that is shared among the Physical Plant Department as custodian of the fleet, drivers and passengers.
Physical Plant Responsibilities
See that a record of periodic maintenance is available for each vehicle and that appropriate routine safety and maintenance checks and procedures have been performed.
Report changes in fleet composition (additions and deletions) to the University’s insurance agent, to the Business Office, and to the VP for Finance
Disseminate rules, regulations and policies concerning proper use of University vehicles, and perform driver orientation on emergency and accident procedures, and gas card usage.
Manage the driver approval process to ensure that all drivers meet the standards established for operation of University vehicles.
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Any vehicles that do not meet State Inspection standards will be taken out of operation until corrections have been made.
Driver’s responsibilities:
1. Drive Alert! It is important that all university drivers have knowledge of safe practices and are alert at all times behind the wheel.
Do not attempt to drive if you need to sleep.
Do not drive when taking medications or any substance that may impair driving ability.
Do not operate a hand held cellular phone while operating a vehicle.
Do not attempt to consume a meal while operating the vehicle. Small snacks and beverages are permissible.
Constantly monitor changing conditions in the highway, traffic, and weather.
Standards for operation of EMU vehicles prohibit use of electronic devices (including sending or receiving text messages) while operating an EMU owned vehicle.
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If the driver has one or more of the following violations within the last 5 years you are not qualified to drive EMU’s vehicles:
Driving while intoxicated or impaired or under the influence of drugs.
Criminal conviction with a motor vehicle (e.g. felony, hit and run, negligent homicide).
Speed in excess of 25 MPH over the speed limit.
Major Violations:
These are serious violations incurred at a high frequency that indicate a disregard for public safety. If you have had any of these violations in the last 3 years you are not qualified to drive EMU’s vehicles:
Any combination of three or more moving violations, “At Fault Accidents” or “Preventable Accidents”.
Driving with a suspension, revocation or administrative restriction.
Leaving the scene of an accident as defined by state laws.
Reckless driving.
If you have had any combination of two or more moving violations, “At Fault Accidents” or “Preventable Accidents” in the last 12 months you are not qualified to drive.
Important Information for drivers of EMU Vehicles:
There is emergency information in the sun visor pouch in each vehicle.
There is an accident report form in the glove compartment in the vehicle that should be completed in the event of an accident.
You will find the Vehicle Insurance Card in the glove compartment.
You will find the vehicle registration card in the glove compartment.
Before moving the vehicle make sure all passengers have seatbelts securely in place.
Standards for operation of EMU vehicles:
Must be at least 19 years old
Must complete Driver Qualification form
Must have at least two years of regular (daily) driving experience
Must possess a driver’s license valid in the U.S. (a copy of driver’s license should be presented with this form)
Must sign additional form allowing driver record check
Must not have violations exceeding standards listed above
Additional requirements for van operators:
Complete van driving training; drive van thru test course, and instructor logs successful completion of training program
Must be at least 25 years old or have a CDL, and have 5 years driving (almost daily) experience
I have read and understand the above Guidelines:
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SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________ DATE: ____________
I request van drivers training and orientation with EMU’s Fleet Instructor (Call Ext. 4389)
SIGNATURE OF VAN TRAINEE: ________________________________ DATE: ____________
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(Name)__________________________________________ has received training and orientation on (date)____________ and [IS or IS NOT] (Circle one) approved to operate EMU vans.
AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD
VA Code 46.2-208 classifies driver abstracts as privileged records and limits the release of an abstract of a driver’s record to only an employer, potential employer, or unauthorized agent who has been authorized in writing by such driver to obtain the driver’s record.
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