Table of Contents

• Introduction
  
• Governing Regulations
  
• Definitions
  
• Responsibilities
  
• Additional Information
  
• References
  

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Introduction

Florida State University (FSU) operates a number and variety of vehicles that are used to perform functions that support the mission of the University. The variety of vehicles used by the University extends from traditional licensed vehicles to specialty vehicles used for excavation, lawn mowing, equipment transport, etc. All vehicle operators are required to ensure that they operate the University’s vehicles in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance in a safe and efficient manner and meet the requirements set forth by the University.

The objective of this Vehicle Safety Program is to promote safe operation and maintenance of all University-owned, rented or leased vehicles in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations and guidance. This Vehicle Safety Program is established to reduce the potential for vehicle-related accidents and to optimize the safety of the University community, as well as to minimize physical damage to University property.

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Governing Regulations

Florida Statute Chapter 284 State Risk Management and Safety Programs

Florida Statute Chapter 287 Procurement of Personal Property and Services

Florida Statute Chapters 316-324 Motor Vehicles

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

National Highway Safety & Traffic Administration

Occupational Health & Safety Administration

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Definitions

Accident - is an occurrence involving a University-owned vehicle (or a personal/other vehicle being used on University business) which results in bodily injury or property damage of any kind, regardless of the extent.

Agent - is any person not an employee, acting under the direct control and supervision of the University. Use of the vehicle must be in the course and scope of assigned duties, which provide a direct benefit to the University. An “agent” involved in an accident may be subject to a determination by a judge or jury if insurance coverage will be provided.

All-terrain vehicle - is any motorized off-highway or all-terrain vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 900 pounds or less, designed to travel on four low-pressure tires, has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, handlebars for steering control and is intended for use by a single operator without passengers.

Authorized operator/driver - is a current employee, agent or volunteer that possesses a valid driver license and operates a University-owned vehicle in the course and scope of assigned duties, which provide a direct benefit to the University.

Golf cart - is a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for recreational or work purposes that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.

Licensed vehicle - is an automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle that is used to transport persons or property on public and/or state roads, that has been licensed by the Florida Department Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and issued a State of Florida license plate.

Utility vehicle - is a motor/electric vehicle designed and manufactured for general maintenance, security, and landscaping purposes, but does not include any vehicle designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway.

Volunteer - is any person who, of his/her own free will, provides goods or services to any University department, with no monetary or material compensation. Volunteers must adhere to and meet the requirements of OP-C-7-J5 Volunteers.

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Responsibilities

Risk Management

It is the responsibility of the Risk Management Office (RM) within the Department of Environmental Health & Safety to provide all students, visitors, faculty and staff with information and assistance for the safe operation of all types of vehicles on campus. As needed, the Risk Management Office will provide training to the University community and work with the appropriate individuals on a case by case basis to educate them on the proper use of the various types of vehicles. The RM will:

• Develop and administer the Vehicle Safety Program.
• Coordinate the Vehicle Safety Program with University departments.
• Review and update the Vehicle Safety Program and Procedures as needed.

University Departments

University Departments are responsible for the following:

• Maintaining a listing of all departmental drivers.
• Maintaining copies of licenses of departmental drivers in accordance with http://www.vpfa.fsu.edu/Policies/personnel/3g.html.
• Notifying the RM if an authorized operator/driver driver’s license has been revoked or suspended for any reason.
• Maintaining a listing of all departmental vehicles and a record of the maintenance, repairs and inspections performed on each departmental vehicle.
• Notifying the Risk Management office of accidents and/or vehicle damage immediately. If an accident/damage occurs during off hours or on weekends, notify the Risk Management Office at the start of the next business day.
• Ensuring that all employees in their department who are authorized to use University vehicles complete the requirements of the Vehicle Safety Program prior to operating a vehicle.
• Ensuring proper use, storage and maintenance of University-owned vehicles.

Authorized Operators/Drivers:

All authorized operators/drivers are responsible for the following:

• Completing the driver authorization form as required. Forms are provided in specific procedures.
• Reporting any injuries, accidents, damage and/or moving violations while driving a University-owned or leased vehicle including carts to his/her supervisor immediately.
• Reporting any injuries, accidents, and/or damage while driving a personal or rental vehicle while on University business immediately to his/her supervisor.
• Notifying his/her supervisor immediately if his/her driver license is revoked or suspended for any reason.
• Complying with this Vehicle Safety Program.

For injuries that require immediate medical attention call 911. For injury reporting see “Reporting an Injury or Illness” at http://www.safety.fsu.edu/wcreporting.html.

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References

1. Florida Statutes (http://www.flsenate.gov)
2. Florida Department of Financial Services (http://www.fldfs.com)

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