Unregistered Motor Vehicles: Safe Operation and Use at Wellesley College

Unregistered Motor Vehicles:Safe Operation and Use

at Wellesley College

Training Objectives

– Understand safety concerns of unregistered motorized vehicles on the Wellesley College campus

– Review hazards and controls associated with unregistered motorized vehicle use

– Gain confidence to take on the task of driving an unregistered motorized vehicle for the College

Accident Statistics• 15,000 Golf Cart related injuries in U.S. / Year• 40% involve falls from Car/Cart• 10% involve rollovers• Rollovers twice as likely to involve hospital stay

Wellesley College Risk Management’sUnregistered Motorized Vehicle Safety Guidelines

• For Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles• Describes Authorized Drivers• Responsibilities• Training• Operational Rules:

▪ Speed Limits ▪ Pedestrians / Cyclists▪ Passengers ▪ Load and Capacity▪ Cell Phones ▪ Areas of Driving

Unregistered Motorized Vehicles• Golf Carts

• Utility Vehicles aka LSVs (Low Speed Vehicles)

Carts and cars… what’s the difference?

• Carts roll easier than cars• Carts always operate near pedestrians• Carts run quietly• Other motor vehicles have the right-of-way

when operating a cart as opposed to a car

More on Carts vs. Cars…

• Center of gravity is lower than most vehicles• Speed limit is MUCH lower – 5 mph on

campus• In a collision – the cart ALWAYS loses!

Unique to Carts:Hand holds are provided for passenger balance

and safety when vehicle is in operation.

Do Not Modify Equipment Without Approval from Motor Pool• ROPS and Seat Belts

(Rollover Protective Structures)• All modifications should consider:

- visibility- impact to stability- changes to load capacity

Authorized Users

• Authorized Wellesley College business only• College employees (Faculty/Staff or Student

Worker)• At least 18 years old• Valid driver’s license• Read and understood Unregistered Motorized

Vehicle Safety Guidelines• Read and understood Unregistered Motorized

Vehicle Safety Training PowerPoint presentation

Safe Operation• Use Defensive Driver techniques• Flow of traffic on streets• Obey all campus traffic regulations• Observe posted speed limits• Operator cell phone use strongly discouraged. No Operator texting• Headlights after dark• No open alcohol containers in vehicle (Driver AND Passenger)

Should you be driving?• Are you tired, upset, fatigued, ill?• Are you taking prescription or over-the-counter

medication?• Are you emotionally upset?

No one is allowed to drive ANY vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs!!!

Safe Operation

• Sudden stops or changes in direction may result in loss of control

• Keep hands and feet inside at all times when cart is moving• Avoid tipping over – drive straight up or down a slope• Always remain seated• Slow down before and during turns• Reduce speed, use extra care in inclement weather

Safe Operation :Crossing Roadways

• Obey traffic rules• Be aware of other vehicles • Golf carts in crosswalk

Safe Operation : On All Roadways

Passengers and Capacity

• DO NOT exceed passenger limit load capacity• Only allow passengers in seats. NOT Cargo Bed• No standing• Do not exit until stopped

Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Pedestrians and Cyclists have the right of way• Maintain at least 20 feet buffer zone• Do not pass within 20 feet• If approaching each other, STOP and let pass.

Carrying a Load

• Do not exceed load capacity• Balance the load• Secure the load• Be sure you can see behind

the vehicle• Loads can change on steep

grades• No one is allowed to ride in

the back of the vehicle

Use Caution When Jumping Curbs

Use Caution on Steep Grades

And Blind Curves

Follow the Flow of Traffic

Night Driving• If you are driving at night does the cart have:– working headlights?– brake lights?– turn-signal lights

• Drive cautiously – pedestrians may not see you coming.

• Check the lights before driving at night.

Parking and Security

• Do not block walkways or EXITS• Park 20 feet away from building entrances and exits.• Engage brake• Turn off engine• Lock cab if possible• Take the key

What does this symbol mean?

Warning!!!

WARNING: ROLLOVER OR FALLING OFF MAY CAUSE DEATH

WARNING: Riding in cargo bed can cause severe injury or

death. Do not ride in cargo bed.

Review the Driving Instructions

Driving the Vehicle

• Always check behind the vehicle before backing

• No more occupants that the number of seats

• Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle

• Drive slowly• Avoid steep grades

KNOW Your Equipment!

Accelerator Pedal

Brake Pedal

Parking Brake

Pre-trip Check

• Conduct a visual check of the cart before driving

• Is the rotating warning signal light working?• Is the reverse warning signal audible?• Do the breaks work?• Check for correct tire pressure

Pre-trip Check - Continued

• Check for obstacles or pedestrians around the vehicle

• Adjust mirrors• Check lights & turn

signals• Be sure everything is

properly stored

When in doubt,ask your supervisor…

• About load capacity• About operating procedures• About maintenance records

Just plain common sense…

• Always tie-down your load

• Always set your brake once you get to your destination

• After loading, check to see if all four wheels are still touching the ground

Review

• Only Authorized Drivers are permitted to drive unregistered motorized vehicles at the College.

• Know the vehicle you are driving.• Be aware of your surroundings.• Do not “horse around” with the vehicle• Drive slowly and cautiously.