Motor Vehicle And Fleet Management Best Practice Guidelines

Distractions: Establish policies to minimize distractions that can interfere with thedriver’s ability or focus. Consider such issues as:1. Cell phone use2. PDA/laptop computer use3. MP3 use4. Portable two-way radio use5. Global positioning systems6. Eating/drinking7. Reading/writing8. Tobacco use9. Operation of other equipment such as lights, siren, camera, etc.Impaired Driving: Establish policies prohibiting the operation of a motor vehiclewhile mentally or physically impaired. Define violations and subsequentconsequences for each. Consider such issues as:1. The use of alcohol2. The use of illegal drugs3. The use of prescription medicine4. The use of non-prescription medicine5. Fatigue6. Medical condition or illness7. Emotional stateSafe and Courteous Operation: Explain that university-owned vehicles affect theuniversity’s image and so does the operation of those vehicles. The public expectssafe and courteous drivers in the vehicles provided. Unsafe or aggressive drivingcan create negative public impressions and result in bodily injury, death, orproperty damage. Identify consequences related to the following reportedbehaviors:1. Speeding2. Improper passing3. Failure to yield right-of-way4. Tailgating5. Failure to adjust to road or weather conditions6. Failure to use vehicle’s safety devices such as lights, wipers, turnsignals, etc.7. Improper gesturing, language, or use of horn or lights8. Other violations of law or improper conductParking/Backing: Include safety rules designed to prevent collisions from parkingand backing operations. Consider the use of observers to guide the driver, parkingso as to avoid the need to back into traffic, walking around vehicle prior to backing,observing other drivers in crowded parking lots. Include university policy regardingwhen to lock vehicles and where keys may be secured.Damaged/Malfunctioning Vehicle: Describe the driver’s duty to report damage toa vehicle as soon as possible, and explain the procedure for doing so. Explain theprocedures to be followed if a vehicle malfunctions, and define unsafe conditions inwhich a vehicle must be parked until the situation can be remedied.Motor Vehicle and Fleet Management Best Practice Guidelines 8