UPPS 05.05.07 - Driving Safety Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Texas State University is committed to promoting safe driving and use of university vehicles.

1. SCOPE AND DEFINITION

   1. This policy and procedure statement establishes driving safety procedures for all fleet vehicle drivers at Texas State University.

   2. Accident – occurs when a moving vehicle or object comes into contact with another vehicle or object which causes damage to the vehicle or object, or results in bodily injury. Minor or major accidents will be reported to the University Police Department (UPD), and the case number should be recorded on the Vehicle Accident/Incident Report. All accidents will be reported to supervisors. Supervisors will sign the Vehicle Accident/Incident Report and send it to the director of Facilities Management.

2. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. Vehicles assigned to a specific driver will be visually inspected daily, and the following items must be checked and acted on by the driver:

      1. vehicle registration due date (monthly);

      2. oil level (weekly);

      3. transmission fluid (weekly);

      4. radiator fluid (weekly);

      5. tire air pressure and wear (weekly);

      6. lights, windshield wipers, and belts (weekly); and

      7. clean interior of vehicle (daily).

   2. The vehicle custodian must ensure items listed in Section 02.01 are maintained for all vehicles not assigned to a specific driver.

3. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING VEHICLE ISSUES

   1. The assigned vehicle driver, vehicle custodian, or responsible supervisor will submit work orders to the Facilities Garage through the fleet Management Information System to ensure vehicle issues are corrected as discrepancies are found.

   2. In addition to submitting a work order, the vehicle custodian must immediately notify the Facilities Garage of any issues posing a safety or roadworthiness concern. This will ensure the vehicle receives a prioritized service response.

4. RELATED POLICIES

   1. Related policy statements pertaining to the use of university vehicles include:

      1. UPPS No. 05.05.02, Driver Selection; and

      2. UPPS No. 05.05.03, Fleet Management Plan.

5. UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS

   1. University drivers shall obey all state traffic laws. Employees who are ticketed by local or state authorities for violations of traffic laws will be assessed penalty points according to UPPS No. 05.05.02, Driver Selection.

   2. If placed in law enforcement custody, as a result of a traffic stop or accident, university drivers must contact their supervisors or sponsoring department head to arrange vehicle recovery.

   3. Drug or alcohol use is not allowed while driving a university vehicle. Drivers who fail to comply will be subject to disciplinary action, as stated in UPPS No. 04.04.40, Disciplining and Terminating Staff Employees.

   4. All drivers must maintain nine points or less on their driving record. At 10 points, driving privileges may be revoked, in accordance with UPPS No. 05.05.02, Driver Selection. If the job position requires driving, the employee may be subject to further disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

6. POST-ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

   1. The university driver must stop immediately after an accident and determine damage. Obstruction of traffic should be avoided, if possible.

   2. Aid and medical attention must be rendered to the injured, if needed (in case of emergency, dial 911), as soon as possible.

   3. The accident must be reported to local police and to Facilities.

      1. If the accident occurs on campus property, driver must contact UPD at 512.245.2805 (dispatch, non-emergency).

      2. If the accident occurs off campus, driver must contact San Marcos Police Department at 512.753.2108 or Round Rock Police Department 512.218.5515 (dispatch, non-emergency).

      3. All accidents must also be reported to Facilities Management at 512.245.2518.

   4. The driver of the vehicle must complete the Vehicle Accident/Incident Report at the scene of the accident or immediately afterwards and return all reports to their supervisor. The form may be found in all university vehicles. The supervisor must send the original form to the director of Facilities Management, who processes the form and coordinates with the Department of Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management to establish repair actions based upon the liable party determination.

   5. Statements should only be made to police officers, direct supervisors, or Facilities Management.

   6. No settlements should be made at the accident site, and all arguments should be avoided.

   7. If the accident involves an unattended vehicle or fixed object, reasonable steps must be taken to locate and notify the owner. If the owner cannot be found, a notice must be left in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or object, including the driver’s name, the university’s name, address, office telephone number, and a brief description of the accident, with the date and time included. Whenever possible, witness contact information or statement should be collected.

   8. For more information on driving a university vehicle, please visit Fleet Vehicle Information.

7. REVIEWERS OF THIS UPPS

   1. Reviewer of this UPPS includes the following:

      Position	Date
      Director of Facilities Management	June 1 E2Y
      Director of Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management	June 1 E2Y

8. CERTIFICATION OF STATEMENT

   This UPPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

   Director, Facilities Management; senior reviewer of this UPPS

   Associate Vice President for Facilities

   Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer

   President