ASHLAND UNIVERSITY
GOLF CART/UTILITY VEHICLE SAFETY
JANUARY, 2006
The following guidelines apply to both University-owned and rented motorized vehicles including golf carts and other 3 or 4-wheeled vehicles powered by electric or internal combustion motors. This does not apply to tractors or other machinery.
PURPOSE
To provide staff, authorized visitors and contractors with guidelines so that golf-cart type vehicles are operated in a safe manner in order to prevent injuries to Ashland personnel and property. Safety is the responsibility of the visitor or contractor.
Authorized visitors include: Individuals with disability-related needs attending Ashland events and conference program personnel.
AUTHORIZED USE
Authorized visitor use is described as:
Student use of golf carts for personal transportation, other than for disability-related needs, is prohibited on campus.
Supervisors are responsible for assuring operators have a valid driver's license and sign the Departmental Golf Cart-Type Operator's Agreement each year.
IDENTIFICATION
All Ashland University owned golf cart-type vehicles must have an official University logo bearing the department's name clearly visible on the vehicle.
Conference golf cart-type vehicles must have a placard (temporary or fixed) identifying the conference name, responsible party, phone number, etc.
The placard should be placed in the vehicle placard holder or in another appropriate location readily visible from the front.
OPERATION
Know and respect the passenger limit and load capacity of the vehicle.
Passengers must keep their head, legs, and arms within the cab.
Golf cart-type vehicles are restricted to designated streets and paths on the Ashland University campus.
PARKING
Park only on hard covered surfaces (e.g. asphalt, concrete, and brick) unless the cart has all-terrain tires.
Do not block entrances to buildings, stairways, disability ramps, or main thoroughfares.
Do not chain vehicles to trees.
RECHARGING
Electric vehicles will be recharged at the location designated for such use.
Use of extension cords from inside buildings to vehicles is prohibited.
ENFORCEMENT
Safety Services may cite drivers for golf cart violations.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Supervisors shall ensure that vehicles are routinely inspected and maintained as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that they are in proper working order.
If the vehicle becomes disabled and is left in an official location, the driver should leave a note on the vehicle indicating its problem to alert Safety Services that the vehicle is receiving attention.
REPORTING ACCIDENTS/INJURIES
Report all vehicle accidents to Safety Services and to the Conference Director.
Summon 9-1-1 if any parties are injured.
ACQUISITION SPECIFICATIONS
Whenever feasible, Ashland University recommends the purchase of electric-powered vehicles instead of internal combustion engine vehicles. New vehicles must include the following safety features:
REGISTRATION
New golf-type vehicles must be delivered to the Ashland University garage for registration with the following information: