Managing motor vehicle risks such as liability exposures should be a shared responsibility by both management and employees. The extensive use and number of University - owned motor vehicles represent one of the largest risk and loss exposures to our institution. As a consequence of motor vehicle accidents, bodily injury, property damage, and lost productivity may result. The following Risk Management suggestions are offered:
VERIFICATION OF DRIVER'S OPERATOR LICENSE
Each Department should verify that all employees who drive a University vehicle have a valid driver’s license on a periodic basis. It is also important that the license be valid for the type of vehicle driven (Commercial requirements such as GVW [Gross Vehicle Weight] of vehicles)
WHO CAN DRIVE A UNIVERSITY - OWNED VEHICLE (FAQ)?
As a frequently asked question, it is appropriate to review the University’s procedures on persons authorized to drive University-owned vehicles. University as state - owned vehicles shall be driven only by University employees and used for official state and University business only. University employees are defined as individuals working for the University for wages and salary. Employees must receive a University payroll check.
Students who are employed by the University and receive a salary or a payroll check may drive vehicles while performing duties within the scope of the job for which they are being paid. Students, such as those on scholarship or fellowship, who are not employed by the University, are not allowed to drive state vehicles.
Federal employees working with the University, such as USDA, USDI, USAF, USN, must make requests for federal vehicles from the federal motor pool in Raleigh. If a federal vehicle is not immediately available, then a federal employee contracted to do state business may be allowed to drive a state vehicle until a federal motor pool vehicle is available.
Visiting lecturers, scholars, scientists, and professors with or without appointments, as well as adjunct and emeritus professors may drive state vehicles only if they are currently employed by the University and receive a University payroll check.
Volunteers, persons working for the University, but not receiving a payroll check, may not drive state vehicles according to the state rules and guidelines.
Contact IRM if there are additional questions.
USE OF STATE VEHICLE
Refer to Motor Fleet Management Regulations Manual, page #21 @ www.ncmotorfleet.com/documents/mfmregs.pdf to see if passengers are allowed to ride in University state-owned vehicles.
GOOD PRACTICE
As a suggested practice, have employees review the North Carolina DMV Driver’s Study Guide @ www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivershandbook/download/NCDL_English.pdf to maintain familiarity and understanding of North Carolina motor vehicle laws.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Each department should assure that an individual vehicle is being maintained, including condition of signal lights, brakes, tires, windshields, and mirrors. Keep records of maintenance, service, and inspections.
15 SEAT PASSENGER VANS
There has been recent concerns over the safety of operating these types of vans. Utilizing experienced drivers and also "avoiding loading passengers, baggage, or cargo to the rear of the back axle" are key considerations. Remember, driver and all passengers should buckle up! Refer to this link @ the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
Also, now available to you is a 15-Passenger Van Training Course and Quiz on-line at the following link: www.safety.ncsu.edu/15passvan//HTML/index.htm
THE MOST FREQUENT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS STATISTICALLY The most frequent types of vehicle accidents and claims reported to IRM are characterized as low-speed incidents in parking lots and congested roadways. IMPROPER BACKING AND PARKING MANEUVERS are the most frequent driving behaviors that result in accidents on our campus. Take that extra time to make sure that your path of travel is clear and safe before you back out of a space. Don’t forget the turning radius of your front wheels when backing! REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS It is important that all accidents involving University vehicles are reported to Insurance and Risk Management by noon of the next work day. Completion of the Accident Reporting Form be completed and provided with your initial accident reporting. Don’t underestimate claim severity. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS NC Statute (GS 58-194.1) requires that all state-owned self-propelled motorized vehicles carry liability insurance. It is the responsibility of each department to report newly acquired vehicles to IRM and purchase motor vehicle liability insurance through IRM. It is also the option and respective purchasing decision of each department as to whether to carry collision and comprehensive coverage.
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY LINKS National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Students Against Drunk Driving Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
