389.4 Driver Qualification and Vehicle Safety

389.4 Driver Qualification and Vehicle Safety

A. Background

The University provides a number of pool vehicles and permanently assigned vehicles to be used by Furman employees when traveling while conducting university business. The University is aware of the responsibility to assure these vehicles are used safely.

B. Policy

All drivers (e.g., students, faculty, staff) of university-owned vehicles must meet certain criteria for qualifying to use these vehicles. Minimum qualifications are a valid driver's license, at least 18 years of age, and a satisfactory driving record. The Public Safety Department and the Facilities Services Department work jointly to assure the University has an effective vehicle safety program.

C. Guidelines

1. A satisfactory driving record is with no more than eight points for traffic violations and no record of reckless driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) during the past five years.

2. Supervisors may consider other criteria that may be important to job-related driving when evaluating an employee's driving record.

3. The driving records of potential university drivers will be secured from the South Carolina Highway Department before employees are assigned jobs requiring operation of a vehicle. This is the responsibility of the department for whom the employee will work. Motor vehicle driving records may be obtained through the Public Safety Department.

4. At least annually the motor vehicle driving records of all employees that may use university vehicles in their work will be examined by the Public Safety Department. If during this examination an employee's driving record becomes unsatisfactory the department will notify the employee's supervisor.

5. If an employee's driving record shows violations with points in excess of eight, the driver must attend a safe driving session offered by the Environmental Safety Personnel in the Facilities Services Department.

6. Employees whose licenses are revoked for whatever reason must not be allowed to operate university vehicles.

7. The driving privileges of an employee may also be revoked because of an unsatisfactory driving record as evaluated by, and with the unanimous agreement of, the Director of Facilities Services, the Director of Public Safety, the Director of Administrative Services, and the employee's supervisor.

8. To assist the Public Safety Department in developing effective driving data, copies of all accident reports must be sent to that department for compiling. These reports will be analyzed for trends and problems that may be useful when preparing information for a safe driving course or for other programs relative to vehicle safety.

9. In addition to a valid driver's license and a safe driving record, only qualified drivers are permitted to drive certain university vehicles. Vans and large trucks may be driven only by drivers who are certified and issued a special license or permit by the Safety Services Office. To obtain this special license or permit, the driver should contact the Public Safety Office at least ten (10) work days in advance of the planned travel date to assure all processing is completed in time.

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