Policy: VII.H.4

Issued: March 12, 2002

Owner: Director of Risk Management

Latest Revision:

• 1.0 Purpose
• 2.0 Policy
• 3.0 Definitions
• 4.0 References
• 5.0 Approvals and Revisions

1.0 Purpose

The following policy has been adopted to promote safety in response to the serious safety concerns brought to light by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Research Note of April 2001 entitled The Rollover Propensity of Fifteen-Passenger Vans and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Division of Risk Management's advisory of 7/20/01.

2.0 Policy [Top]

Policy on Phasing Out the Use of 15-Passenger Vans

1. High School and younger students must not be transported in 12 and 15-passenger vans, or other specialty vehicles not meeting school bus standards.
   
   
2. 15-passenger vans may not be purchased or rented, effective immediately.
   
   
3. On 7/1/04 the use of currently owned 15-passenger vans for passenger transportation use is no longer permitted.
   
   
4. Currently owned 15-passenger vans may be used for transporting passengers until 7/1/04. Strict adherence to the following Best Practices is required until their use is eliminated.

Best Practices

1. Restrictions on van usage:
   
   
1. Out of town travel is prohibited.
2. Drivers may not drive between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without special permission from the Dean or Department Head.
3. Drivers must obey all traffic regulations, not exceeding posted speed limits, and never to exceed 50mph at any time.
   
   
2. Allow only trained, certified, and authorized drivers to operate the vehicles.
   
   
   1. Students who are not employees must not operate 15-passenger vans or trucks.
   2. Minimum age of driver must be 21 unless the driver has a CDL or EVOC Certification. Every driver must possess a valid driver's license.
   3. Driver must have a minimum of two years driving experience.
   4. A driver's transcript will reveal no more than one moving violation within the last 12 months, and the driver will be required to verify this. Human Resources will perform a driver's transcript check by request.
   5. There must be no violations or traffic stops related to alcohol or drugs.
   6. Successful completion of the University's 15-Passenger Van training program and road test, provided by Parking and Transportation, within the past two years.
      
      
3. Drivers are responsible for limiting occupants and cargo weight, inspecting the vehicle prior to leaving the parking site and monitoring the vehicle for proper operation.
   
   
   1. The last two rows of seats must be removed, and occupants must be limited to 8. You must further reduce occupants by 1 for every 150 lbs of cargo.
   2. Any defects must be noted and must be corrected prior to departure.
   3. Weather conditions must be evaluated and travel must be curtailed when conditions are hazardous. (This includes but is not limited to fog, heavy rain, snow, ice, high winds, …etc.)
   4. All equipment and luggage carried must be secured in a safe manner.
   5. Trailers and roof-mounted loads are prohibited. Vehicles must not be overloaded.
   6. Tires should be properly inflated based on the load carried.
   7. A cell phone, charged battery and a battery charger must be provided for each vehicle/trip. Drivers must not use a cell-phone while driving.
   8. Vehicle headlights must be on when driving.
   9. Drivers must not drive a vehicle that is not operating properly.
      
      
4. Passengers must adhere to the following rules:
   
   
   1. All passengers must wear seat belts at all times while traveling.
   2. Alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited.

3.0 Definitions [Top]

4.0 References [Top]

5.0 Approvals and Revisions [Top]