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The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has issued an advisory
stating that 15 passenger vans have a high "rollover" risk
when fully loaded. Studies have shown that they are three (3)
times more likely to rollover when carrying ten (10) or more
passengers, or with baggage being stored above seat level; both of which
cause the vehicle's center of gravity to be raised, thereby
increasing the risk of rollover. It has been advised that only
experienced drivers be allowed to operate these full sized vans,
especially in other than ideal circumstances.
WARNING:
Because of the high risk involved with
large capacity passenger vans, some U.S. states as well as Canada
prohibit the use of these vehicles. The following U.S.
states prohibit the use and operation of 12 and 15-passenger vans on
roadways: Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts,
New York, and Washington D.C. If you are planning a trip
to or through any of these states, you cannot use 12 or 15-passenger
vans as transportation.
For those using 15-passenger vans,
please abide by the following policy and procedures:
VAN OCCUPANCY STANDARDS:
No more than 8 individuals, including the driver, can ride in a van. No baggage can be stored above
seat level.
DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS and STANDARDS:
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Driver must currently possess a
state issued or equivalent license.
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Drivers must be over the age of
25.
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All drivers must complete the
College Van Driver Safety Program.
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All Drivers must complete the
Driver History Information Form.
Drivers whose history includes the following violations will
not be permitted to drive College leased or rented vans:
a. Conviction of driving under the
influence/while intoxicated (DUI/DWI), with the
last three years.
b. Conviction of other serious offenses including
but not limited to homicide by motor vehicle, hit and run,
careless/reckless driving, leaving the scene of an
accident, excessive speed (+25 MPH over
speed limit), use of vehicle in drug use/possession/trafficking,
driving under suspension, fleeing a police officer, and vehicle theft.
c. Conviction of three (3) or more ordinary traffic
violations, or no more than two (2)
chargeable accidents, or more
than two (2) violations in the past 12 month period.
Ordinary violations (to include
but not limited to): failure to obey traffic control
devices, speeding (under 25 MPH
over posted limit) improper passing, improper lane change, following too closely,
failure to signal, improper backing, failure to use
seatbelts.
d. Suspension or revocation of driver's license
within the last three years.
REPORTING ACCIDENTS: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
there are legally two types of motor vehicle accidents, Reportable
and Non-Reportable.
Reportable Accident: 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 safely
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. An accident report form (located in the
van with registration and insurance form) should also be completed.
Non-Reportable Accident: 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).
According to the laws of Pennsylvania, the police need only to be
notified if the damage to property has occurred without the owner's
knowledge (owner/operator not present).
All drivers should note that Lycoming
College requires that in any accident, no matter how limited, the
driver must contact the local police (or other law enforcement
agency covering the area). This policy has been put in place
so that there is no confusion about reporting requirements for the
driver, and to ensure 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 cannot come to the
scene due to workload or other constraints, the driver is to
complete an Accident Report form (located in the vehicle with the
registration and insurance paperwork). This must then be
submitted to the Director of Human Resources upon return to
campus.
ALCOHOL: Alcohol consumption is prohibited by
anyone who will be driving a College van (rented or leased). The
transportation of alcohol in a College van (rented or leased) is
also prohibited.
CELLULAR TELEPHONES:
The use of cellular (or similar)
telephones by the driver of a College van, while the van is in
motion, is strictly prohibited due to numerous local, county and
state ordinances/laws, as well as several studies that have shown
that such use significantly increase the risk of accidents.
While the College allows drivers to maintain/possess a "cell phone"
as a means of convenience and added safety, drivers are required to
pull off the roadway and park to use these devices.
LONG DISTANCE/OVERNIGHT TRIPS:
In instances where students are
involved in a class-related overnight outing or athletic event, a
College staff member must drive/ride in the van. Multiple vans
should have a staff member in each vehicle whenever possible.
In all cases, and especially if there are more vans than staff
members, the vans should be in a close proximity to the staff
member. Under no circumstances should students
be taking rented, leased, or owned vans on side trips without a
staff member being present. Once arriving at the destination
all keys should be kept by a staff member. Under no
circumstances should students be in possession of keys overnight.
PARKING VIOLATIONS:
In the event that the driver of a
College van 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 Safety and Security of this violation
upon return to campus; failure to promptly report such
a violation will result in sanctions being assessed.
SEATBELTS:
Drivers of any campus van are
required to wear their seatbelt and
require others to do so in accordance with state laws.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS:
All traffic and/or moving
violations ("tickets") must be reported to
the Department of Safety and Security upon return to campus. It is the responsibility
of the driver to pay any and all traffic violations and fees.
This information, including
circumstances, location, violations and
citation information should be as specific as possible, and be
directed to Director of Safety and Security for review. Failure to report traffic/moving
violations will result in the immediate
loss of driving privileges and other sanctions.
VEHICLE SECURITY:Turn off vehicle, remove keys, and
lock all doors of the van when left unattended.
RENTED or LEASED VANS:
When renting or leasing a van, it is
not necessary to obtain additional
insurance. The College policy will cover this. Prior to
leaving for your trip, you should obtain an insurance identification
card from the Director of Human Resources. If
she is not available, you can obtain an insurance ID card from the Department of
Safety and Security.
All rented or leased vans should be
inspected prior to leaving the lot. Immediately report any
dents, dings, tears, etc. to the leasor. Also inspect the van upon
return to the rental agency. Ensure an agency employee also
inspects the van with you. If that's not possible, note for
yourself the condition of the van inside and out.
SPEED DETECTION DEVICES:
The use of radar detectors, or other
forms of speed enforcement detection
equipment is prohibited.
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