Muskingum College Vehicle Safety Policy Manual

• At all times all operators of those vehicles owned by Muskingum College will comply with all traffic regulations, laws and ordinances while engaged in business or college functions. This also applies to all operators of other vehicles who are representing Muskingum College in an official capacity.

2.0 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

• The consumption of alcohol and use of drugs while placed with the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle owned by Muskingum College is not permitted. The consumption of alcohol and use of drugs in a college owned vehicle is strictly prohibited.
• Due to lingering effects of alcohol and drugs, an abstinence period shall be observed in order that there is no restriction to the operator’s driving ability. The driver must always have the ability to safely transport all passengers.

3.0 SAFETY BELTS

• All drivers and passengers are required by law to comply with state regulations in the use of safety belts while riding in a college owned vehicle. In addition, it is the policy of Muskingum College that all passengers regardless of placement in the vehicle wear safety belts while the vehicle is in motion.
• All drivers are given the responsibility to make sure all passengers comply with this regulation.

4.0 AUTHORIZED USE OF COLLEGE OWNED VEHICLES

• Only qualified and approved faculty staff and students are authorized to drive college owned vehicles.
• To qualify as an approved driver, you must:
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Have no more than two (2) minor moving traffic violations within a thirty-six (36) month period;
• Attend a Defensive Driving Class sponsored by the college.
• You are not insurable if you presently possess or receive a major violation; i.e., driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless operation, hit/skip, driving under suspension, fleeing from a police officer or acquire more than two (2) minor moving violations in a thirty-six (36) month period.

5.0 AUTHORIZED PASSENGERS

• It is the responsibility of the driver to assure that those passengers being transported are affiliated with the college; i.e. faculty, students, guests.

6.0 ACCIDENTS INVOLVING COLLEGE OWNED VEHICLES

• It is the policy of Muskingum College that should any accident occur involving college owned vehicles, regardless of severity, location or fault, it should be reported to the local law enforcement authority and the Director of Campus Police of Muskingum College.
• It is imperative that the Dean of Student Life also be advised should a student be involved in an accident. The first order of safety when involved in an accident is to attend to the injured passengers. Additional procedures are explained in the insurance packet located in the glove compartment of the vehicle.

7.0 MUSKINGUM COLLEGE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

• It is the policy of Muskingum College that all drivers of college owned vehicles attend Defensive Driving Training designed and instructed by college approved instructors. A three (3) hour course of instruction will be conducted at Muskingum College.
• This course will qualify each individual to be an authorized driver of those vehicles owned by Muskingum College.

8.0 DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY

• The ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of all passengers in all weather and road conditions inevitably belongs to the driver of the college owned vehicle. No policy or procedural statements can eliminate that responsibility.
• Weather-related driving education sponsored by the Muskingum College will be mandatory for all drivers.
• As previously stated, all laws must be obeyed and good safety practices followed. The areas listed below further define the driver’s responsibilities:
  • Equipment
    • Any equipment discrepancies/failures should be reported to the college using the “Trip Ticket Form” issued at the Campus
  • Police office. This form needs to be given immediately to the Department of Campus Police.
  • Luggage
    • All luggage and equipment shall be stored in a secure fashion in order that it does not hinder the safe operation of the vehicle or endanger the safety of the passengers.
  • Unruly Passengers
    • Unruly passengers should be reported to the Dean of Student Life upon completion of the trip.
  • Distractions
    • The driver’s attention should always be on the safe operation of the vehicle. Distractions such as eating, drinking or smoking should be refrained from while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Flares / Reflectors
    • If the vehicle becomes disabled, reflectors and/or fuses which are located in the vehicle should be placed to the rear of the disabled vehicle.
  • In the event of an accident, all attempts to assist injured parties should be made immediately.
    • An insurance packet is contained in the glove compartment of each Muskingum College owned vehicle. This additional information will assist the Director of Campus Police in filling out the necessary insurance reports.
  • Below are other points for consideration during the event of an accident:
    • Make no statement to anyone except police or college management.
    • Make no statement about payment of damage.
    • Admit no liability.
    • Do not move vehicle unless instructed by police, as it may help explain accident.
    • Protect vehicle against further damage.
    • It is the policy of Muskingum College that drivers be responsible for all citations received as a result of an automobile accident.