Vehicle Operation Standards

• Each van is required to have one primary authorized driver and one authorized back-up driver for each trip.  These two will be the driver /navigator team for the trip.  This provides for illness and emergencies that might occur to the primary driver.
• Maximum driving time for any one driver is 8 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Drivers should take at least a 10-minute break every 2 hours.
• College vehicles should not be operated between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. except when
  • the trip is solely to return to a home base and
  • the return trip is less than 4 hours in duration.
• A navigator should be assigned for long trips. The navigator must stay awake while on duty. The entire navigator/driver team should be replaced at least every 4 hours.
• No items should be placed on the roof of large passenger vans.
• Do not overload large passenger vans with passengers and equipment. Weight should be distributed toward the front of the van as much as possible.
• The hauling of trailers is prohibited unless special permission has been obtained. Anyone driving a van and trailer combination must be preapproved by the motor pool office.

Driver Responsibilities

Drivers of college vehicles represent the college community to the general public. Drivers are expected to drive defensively, be courteous and obey all traffic laws.

In addition, drivers are responsible for:

• Restricting passengers to employees, students of the college or other people being transported on official college business.
• Ensuring all passengers, including the driver, use seat belts.
• Not allowing smoking or alcohol consumption in the vehicles.
• Locking the vehicle when not in use.
• Paying any traffic or parking fine resulting from driver negligence.
• Checking oil and water levels regularly when on overnight trips.
• Reporting all accidents and damage to the vehicle to the Motor Pool office.
• Completing all required accidet reports and turning them in to the Motor Pool office.
• Returning vehicles to the appropriate location on time and in a clean and presentable condition.
• Notifying the motor pool office if the vehicle cannot be returned on time.