Campus Safety

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  Fleet Safety Responsibility
  Driver Qualification Standards
  Procedures for Reserving Vehicle
  Procedures for Picking up Vehicle
  Returning Vehicles
  Policies on Use
  Appendix A: Fee Schedule

    After careful consideration by the College's administration, a risk management assessment and in accordance with the College's insurance carrier, the Fleet Vehicle Safety and Driver Certification program has been established to aid the College in reducing the number of accidents involving York College fleet vehicles and to insure the health and safety of the College community in the use of the College's general use fleet of vehicles.  This program is designed to provide drivers with a better understanding of college policy regarding Fleet Vehicle use, to aid drivers by refreshing their knowledge of defensive driving tactics, and to build driving skills in the use of College fleet vans.

     The Fleet Vehicle Safety and Driver Certification program involves a one hour fleet safety (classroom) session in which drivers will view and discuss a video presentation, and review the College's policies regarding the use of fleet vehicles.  In addition, drivers will attend a road course training session.  The road course is designed to build basic driving skills, such as maneuvering around fixed objects, proper use of mirrors, and backing in confined spaces.

     The program is required for all students, and non-college personnel who will be driving College vehicles; the program is open to all College employees, and all are encouraged to attend.  Currently, college employees are not required to be "Certified" in order to drive fleet vehicles, but, as with all drivers of College vehicles, employees are required to provide operator's license information, are subject to periodic motor vehicle records checks, and must maintain a good driving record to retain authorization to drive a College vehicle.

     The following provisions and policies, in addition to the basic defensive driving skills and techniques used by all good drivers, have been established to reduce the potential of accidents and injuries to members of the College community and those we interact with.  All users of College fleet vehicles are to know and abide by the policies and provisions included in the program.

Fleet Safety Responsibilities:

     Drivers of College fleet vehicles are responsible for the following:

  1. Properly Complete all associated paperwork.
  2. Conduct inspection of the vehicle for general condition and safety prior to use.
  3. Follow College policy regarding the fueling of vehicles.
  4. Promptly report any and all traffic/moving and parking violations, and damage to the vehicle.
  5. Immediately report any accidents and mechanical problems.
  6. Follow College policy regarding the use of fleet vehicles.
  7. Insure that vehicle is readied for use upon return.

Driver Qualification Standards:

  1. Current, State issued (or equivalent) operators license.
  2. Drivers must be no less than 18 years of age (Due to legal liability, and Federal labor laws -- where applicable).
  3. Completion of College Fleet Vehicle Safety and Driver Certification program.
  4. Successful completion of road course (if applicable).
  5. Motor vehicle records check (MVR, driver history check).
  6. Behavior of the driver during certification testing and subsequent use.
  7. Behavior and Social Conduct of the driver, both on and off campus.

General Provisions

Procedures for Reserving a College Fleet Vehicle

     Student Organizations - Contact the Student Affairs office and request authorization to use a College vehicle.  The Fleet Vehicle Reservation form must be completed and approved by the Director of Student Activities prior to contacting the Department of Campus Safety (DCS).  Once authorization and a billing account number has been provided by Student Activities proceed to the Campus Information Center (CIC) during normal business hours with:

  1. The signed reservation form,
  2. The name(s) of the certified driver(s) that will be operating the vehicle,
  3. Desired vehicle type,
  4. The destination being traveled to and the miles, and
  5. The date(s) that the vehicle will be needed to make the reservation.

     Staff and Faculty - Department users should visit the Campus Information Center (CIC) during normal business hours to obtain and complete the van registration form to reserve the use of a College Vehicle.  Departments should be ready to provide the CIC with:

  1. Account number,
  2. Authorized driver to be using the vehicle,
  3. Desired vehicle type,
  4. Destination being traveled to and the miles, and
  5. The date(s) that the vehicle will be needed.

   Please Note: Please make vehicle reservations as early as possible, for vehicles will be assigned on a first-come basis with one exception: academic departments and athletic teams will be given priority over student organizations.

    In the event that a reserved vehicle is found not to be needed, users are to contact the CIC as soon as possible so that this vehicle can be rescheduled for others to use.  Due to the demand for College fleet vehicles, the policy of canceling reservations of unneeded vehicles is mandatory and failure to do so may result in a fine/penalty being assessed.  See Appendix A below.

Procedures for Pickup

Procedures for Picking up a College Vehicle:

     On the day the vehicle has been reserved for, the authorized driver is to come to the Campus Information Center (CIC), located in the Student Union lobby, to collect keys and related paperwork.  CIC personnel will issue the driver a "College Vehicle Trip Log," which is a numbered form indicating which vehicle is to be used, keys, credit card(s) being issued and relevant billing information.  This envelope will contain the vehicle keys, credit card(s) and any other related paperwork.  On this form there is a reminder to the user of driver responsibilities.  After collecting the trip record from the CIC, the driver will go to the designated parking lot to pick up the vehicle.  After locating the vehicle, the driver is to complete a general inspection of the vehicle, checking for general condition (dirt both inside and outside, trash, personal items, etc.), fuel level, mechanical problems and damage.  Drivers are to conduct a basic safety check of the tires, lighting and turn-signals, and mechanical/system warning lights.  Any comments on the condition of the vehicle should be noted on the trip record.  Any and all mechanical problems or damage must be reported to DPS immediately so that repairs can be made or a replacement vehicle can be assigned.  After checking the condition of the vehicle, the driver is to check to insure that the vehicle registration and insurance documents are present (and current).  These documents will be located in the "glove box" or center console of the vehicle.

     At this time, prior to starting the vehicle, the driver is to enter the beginning mileage (odometer reading), date and his/her name on the trip record.  This information must be recorded and legible.  Failure to complete this information will result in an additional fee assessed.  See Appendix A below.

     Fueling the Vehicle - Credit card(s) issued to the driver by the College / Department of Campus Safety are to be used for fueling the vehicle.  These credit card(s) may only be used for the purchasing of fuel (regular, unleaded gasoline).  Credit card(s) issued may only be used at the corresponding vendor locations; cards currently being issued are: Exxon.  Drivers are to record on the back of the gas receipt the vehicle # and odometer reading.  All receipts must be turned in with the trip record upon returning to campus.

     Maintenance and Mechanical - Fleet vehicles are maintained and serviced by the College on a regular basis, but problems may arise while in use.  All mechanical problems must be reported to DPS immediately to arrange for repairs or to provide a replacement vehicle.  The driver should not make any repairs or contract for services.  If a driver would make a repair, and an injury or accident would occur due to the repair, all financial and/or legal liability would fall solely on the driver.

     Accidents - In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania there are legally two types of motor vehicle accidents: Reportable and Non-Reportable.  A Reportable accident involves physical injury to a person, and/or damage to property (in the case of damage to a vehicle - the vehicle must be damaged to such a degree that it can not be driven safety from the scene).  Motor laws of the Commonwealth require that all parties remain at the scene and that the local police be notified immediately; failure to do so will result in criminal charges being filed against the driver.  A Non-Reportable accident is just the opposite, involving no injuries or serious damage to property (a vehicle can be driven from the scene safely).  Here, legally, the local police need only be notified if the damage to property has occurred without the owner's knowledge (owner/operator not present).    

     In the event of an accident, no matter how limited, College policy requires that the driver must contact the local police (or other law enforcement agency covering the area) and the Department of Campus Safety immediately.  This policy has been put in place so that there is no confusion about reporting requirements for the driver, and to insure that the College, and its insurer, will be provided with all necessary information.  In the event of a non-reportable accident, where the local police can not come to the scene due to workload or other constraints, the driver is to notify DCS and then complete an Accident Report form (located in the vehicle with the registration and insurance paperwork).  This form must then be submitted to DCS upon return to campus or as otherwise specified.

     Traffic / Moving Violations - All traffic and/or moving violations (i.e. tickets) must be reported to the Department of Campus Safety upon returning to campus.  This information, including circumstances, location, violations and citation information should be as specific as possible, and be directed to DCS for review.  Failure to report traffic/moving violations will result in the immediate loss of driving privileges and other sanctions.

     Parking Violations - In the event that the driver of a College vehicle commits a parking violation (receives a parking ticket), it is the responsibility of the driver to pay any and all parking fines and fees.  The driver must also notify the Department of Campus Safety of this violation upon return to campus; failure to promptly report such a violation will result in sanctions being assessed.

     Use of Cellular Telephones - The use of cellular (or similar) telephones by the driver of a College vehicle, while the vehicle is in motion, is strictly prohibited due to numerous local, county and state ordinances and laws, as well as several studies that have shown that such use significantly increases the risk of accidents.  While the College/DCS encourages drivers to maintain/possess a "cell phone" as a means of convenience and added safety, drivers are required to pull off of the roadway and park to use these devices.

Returning Vehicles

     Returning Vehicles to Campus - Upon the completion of use of a College vehicle, the vehicle is to be returned directly to the specified parking lot and prepared for its next use.  the driver is responsible for completing all required paperwork and for the condition of the vehicle upon its return and must insure the following:

  1. The driver must record the ending mileage (odometer reading) on the trip log.  Failure to complete odometer readings will result in a fine/penalty being assessed.  See Appendix A below.
  2. The vehicle is to be returned with a full tank of gasoline.  Failure to return vehicle without a full tank of gas will result in a fine/penalty being assessed.  See Appendix A below.
  3. All trash and personal items have been removed from the vehicle.  Failure to return vehicle in clean condition will result in a fine/penalty being assessed.  See Appendix A below.
  4. All dirt is brushed from the interior of the vehicle.  If this condition can not be cleaned by the driver, it is to be noted on the trip log so that the vehicle can be professionally cleaned and readied for its next use.  Failure to return vehicle in clean condition will result in a fine/penalty being assessed.  See Appendix A below.
  5. Any mechanical / system warnings are to be noted on the trip log.
  6. Any minor damages or maintenance needs are to be noted on the trip log.
  7. The driver must place all completed paperwork, gas receipts, credit card(s), keys and associated information with the trip log form and place it in the drop box located at the CIC immediately upon returning to campus.  This procedure has been established to insure that the driver limits his/her liability for the vehicle, and to insure that the vehicle will be available and ready for its next use.  Vehicles must be returned to the correct parking lot so that they can be readily found for use or service.  Failure to complete the required procedures will result in additional fees and/or sanctions.  See Appendix A below.

Policies on Use

     Policies Governing the Use of College Fleet Vehicles (Overview):

  1. Only authorized / certified drivers may operate College vehicles.
  2. All drivers of College vehicles must be familiar with, and abide by, the motor laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, other states being driven in, and York College policies governing the use of College vehicles.
  3. All persons traveling in a College vehicle must wear / use seatbelts at all times.
  4. Vehicles are to be secured / locked when left unattended.
  5. Smoking, the use and/or possession of alcohol, and the use and/or possession of illicit drugs is not permitted in College vehicles.
  6. The use of "RADAR" detectors or other forms of speed enforcement detection equipment is prohibited in College vehicles.
  7. The use of "Cellular" mobile telephones (of any form or type) by the driver while operating (driving) a College vehicle is prohibited.
  8. Trips over 150 miles (one way) from campus are strictly prohibited.
  9. Drivers are required to correctly complete all paperwork as specified in the general provisions for use of a College vehicle.
  10. Vehicles are to be returned to campus upon completion of authorized/official use, parked in the specified parking lot, and readied for use as specified in the general provisions.
  11. Drivers are required to immediately contact the Department of Campus Safety in the event of any accident or mechanical difficulty involving a College vehicle.
  12. Drivers re required to notify the Department of Campus Safety upon return to campus of any parking violations, traffic/moving violations, or "minor" damage to/or involving College vehicles.

    Failure to comply with these policies may result in driving privileges being revoked.

     Appendix A: Fee Schedule

     Table 1: Fee Schedule
 
 

Description Fee
1.  Failure to return vehicle in clean condtion $15.00
2.  Failure to complete or turn in required paperwork, receipts, credit cards, key, etc. $20.00
3.  Failure to complete odometer readings. $25.00
4.  Failure to cancel reservation. $25.00
5.  Failure to return vehicle without a full tank of gas. $50.00

 

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