Van Safety Guidelines

 

Purpose

 

 

Statement

Driving Guidelines for College-Owned or Rented Vans

1. The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt at all times.
2. No roof racks or trailers should be used with any van.
3. Loading of passengers (and luggage/equipment) should be placed so that the center of gravity is centered in the vehicle. The vehicle should not be overloaded (check vehicle manual). A maximum of 12 people (including the driver) in a 15-passenger van is permitted.
4. Driving past 1:00am is not recommended under routine circumstances. If driving is conducted past midnight, an auxiliary driver will be seated with the driver to assist in driving.
5. Driver fatigue will be monitored and addressed by brakes, and/or relief drivers. All posted speed limits shall be observed. Drivers are encouraged to drive less than the speed limit at night and under poor road conditions
6. Inclement weather conditions such as ice on the roads, dense fog, freezing rain, and heavy snow, are some of the conditions that require drivers to seek shelter and refrain from driving until road conditions improve.
7. All vans should carry a flashlight, road warning device (flares), first aid kit, and a small fire extinguisher. Cell phones also can be helpful if passengers or drivers bring them along. Drivers should not use a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion.
8. No alcohol, drugs, or over-the-counter medications that impair driver safety are allowed.
9. All van drivers must successfully complete a college-approved van driver training course before driving a van on college-authorized trips, with renewal training certification every two years. Van drivers must understand the specific limitations of the vehicle before driving.
10. All van drivers must also submit a Driver Status Report form and comply with the college driving guidelines as an approved driver, be over 19 years of age, and have at least three years of driving experience from the date of their licensure.

 

 

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