ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

DRIVING SAFETY PROGRAM

JANUARY, 2006

Policy

• This directive must be followed for any employee expected to drive as part of his/her normal duties or if an existing employee's duty status changes from non-driving to driving in order to complete his/her job duties.

• Each department must maintain a record of drivers and must present the Business Office with an accurate list of drivers= names and license numbers.

Accident study statistics

Studies have shown that approximately 88% of all accidents are caused by the unsafe acts of people. Additionally, the majority of accidents are caused by employees with less than two years experience with the company. Therefore, considerable emphasis needs to be placed on selection and placement procedures. Because of the difficulties involved in directly supervising drivers, it is of paramount importance that care be taken in hiring good, qualified employees and regularly verifying that they are maintaining good driving habits.

Non-owned vehicles

Non-owned vehicles are those typically owned by employees who are reimbursed for the use of their vehicles. Additionally, non-owned vehicles can be rental units if or when needed. When such vehicles are being used to transport clients, other business partners and for business needs in general, we have a burden of responsibility to reasonably ensure that the vehicles are being operated in a safe manner. As a result, the bottom line is that non-owned vehicles being used for business should be managed from a safety standpoint just as if the vehicles were our own. This directive does not apply to independent entities contracted to provide transportation services as these are addressed by individual contracts stipulating mandated controls.

The primary insurance on personal vehicles used for business is typically the insurance secured by the vehicle owner.

University owned or leased vehicles

A number of our departments are provided with University owned or leased vehicles. In many cases, these vehicles are in your control around-the-clock. All employees driving on behalf of the University are required to operate their vehicles safely and legally at all times.

Rules for drivers

Supervisory personnel are to discuss and review these rules with all authorized drivers currently employed. In addition, all newly hired personnel, authorized to drive as part of their duties must acknowledge receipt of this directive prior to being assigned a vehicle on behalf of Ashland University.

1. Only authorized University employees are to drive University-owned vehicles. The ONLY exception to this is when injury and/or death is imminent and the vehicle must be operated by others in an emergency.
2. Personal use of University vehicles should be kept to a minimum. University vehicles will not be used for vacation trips or other extended, non-business trips unless specific prior approval has been granted.
3. All fines, defense costs and other legal penalties arising out of ticketed offenses are the responsibility of the driver.

On The Road:

4. A driver may not operate a vehicle at any time when his/her ability is impaired, affected, or influenced by alcohol, illegal drugs, medication, illness, fatigue or injury.
5. No driver may have or permit possession of alcohol or illegal drugs in a vehicle being used for business purposes.
6. The driver and all occupants are required to wear safety belts when operating or riding in a vehicle. The driver is responsible to ensure all passengers are wearing their safety belts at all times.
7. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all doors are locked while the vehicle is in motion.
8. Drivers are required to drive with their headlights on at all times.
9. Only authorized/approved passengers (i.e: those with a defined business relationship) are permitted in the vehicles during the course of business use.
10. Drivers shall not pick up hitchhikers.
11. Drivers shall not accept direct payment for carrying passengers or materials except as directed by supervisors.
12. Drivers shall not push or pull another vehicle or tow a trailer without authorization.
13. Drivers shall not use any radar detector, laser detector or similar devices.
14. Drivers shall not transport flammable liquids and gases unless a DOT or UL approved container is utilized, and then in limited quantities and only when necessary.
15. Drivers shall not transport or use ignitable or burning flares. The preferred method is the use of reflective triangles.
16. Drivers shall not assist disabled motorists or accident victims beyond the level of their medical training. EMT, CPR, Basic First-Aid, etc. If a driver is not qualified to provide the above services, he/she must restrict his/her assistance to calling the proper authorities.

Post-trip:

1. All accidents, vehicle problems or defects must be reported immediately to your immediate supervisor. Said reporting will include any forms required by your supervisor.
2. Drivers are required to notify their supervisor of any tickets, accidents or other violations they have received while driving. Notification must be as soon as reasonably possible but in no way, later than the next scheduled driving duty to be performed.

High accident rate scenarios

An unusually high percentage of accidents occur in and around intersections. These incidents typically involve:

Striking other vehicles in the rear.

Turning left in front of oncoming vehicles.

Last second lane changes in and around intersections.

These types of incidents are nearly always considered preventable occurrences. A defensive and aware driver will avoid these situations through planning their own action, anticipating other drivers= actions and reacting to changes around them.

Statistics indicate that if drivers had one additional second of response or reaction time, some 70-80% of accidents would be avoided! This underscores the importance of being focused on driving when driving - always being aware of the environment and situation around you.

Intersection Driving

1. Scan ahead at least 1-1 2 blocks as you come upon intersections. Look to both sides and front. Before entering the actual intersection scan left, right, then left again before you place yourself in the cross traffic. Also scan your mirrors frequently.
2. Do not stare at the traffic signal- Be aware of everything around you including pedestrians and bikers.
3. Do not assume anything...the person with the blinker on may not be turning; the person that appears to be going straight may suddenly turn; the pedestrian standing on the corner may suddenly run across the street; the person turning right on red may shoot out in front of you; the light may change as you come upon the intersection.
4. Do not anticipate anything...The light may not change to green before you get there; the person in front of you may not turn when you think they should; the pedestrian or bicyclist may stop in the middle of the road.
5. Be sure your signal is green before you proceed. Left turn lane signals may turn green before straight lanes change green. Use EXTREME caution when making right turns on red signals.
6. When turning left, do not enter the middle of the intersection until you can safely cross oncoming traffic lanes. Keep your wheels pointed straight until you are actually making the left turn.
7. Maintain safe clearance between you and the vehicle in front of you at all times - you don't always know what that person may be doing at the intersection. When coming to a stop behind another vehicle always leave a safe cushion of space between your vehicles. You should be able to see the road under their rear tires from your driver's seat. If you cannot, you are too close!
8. DO NOT back up in intersections.
9. Do not change lanes in or near intersections...plan ahead!