Transportation/ Vehicle Usage 2017-2018

Driver Clearance All staff who drive Perkins vehicles must be cleared to drive through the approved process. Only staff cleared on the use of the hoist and tie downs may use this equipment in the Chair Cars. Please note: All Chair Cars have equipment “Cheat Sheets” for cleared staff to use. Students may not be transported in personal vehicles by Perkins staff.

Driver Clearance Off duty Perkins staff must have documented written permission from parents to pick up a student at Perkins; written permission slips must be given to your supervisor and kept on file If vehicle cleared staff has a change in driving/license status, they must inform their supervisor as soon as possible. Changes included driving violations, loss of license, or being involved in an accident. If a Perkins staff observes another staff driving a Perkins vehicle in an unsafe manner they are mandated to report this to a supervisor. Perkins Insurance may be affected. Checked annually.

Driving Safety Practices Safe operation of the vehicles is the driver’s primary responsibility. Seat belts must be used properly by all in the vehicle when the vehicle is moving. Lap belts must be belted cross the chest from shoulder to hip. Full attention while driving. If more than one car is going to the same destination, each driver should have directions and be comfortable with how to get to the destination. . (The belt should not be behind the occupant’s back; this will render the shoulder harness ineffective and the lap portion ineffective and unsafe.)

Driving Safety Practices No cell phone usage, texting, reading papers, maps, or similar distractions while driving. GPS may be used if mounted to windshield. Follow posted speed limits both on and off campus. If a vehicle is running or keys are in the ignition, there must be a staff in the driver’s seat. Vehicles are not permitted to idle for more than 5 minutes

Vehicle Accidents If a student is brought to Perkins and the vehicle was in an accident while the student was in it, do not accept responsibility for the student until you contact your Supervisor/AEC and Health Services. Make sure the driver remains here until all questions about the accident are answered and a decision about accepting the student is made. In the event that a Perkins vehicle is involved in an accident, immediately contact your supervisor and/or the AEC and Health Services. If there are concerns that the student is injured he/she may require a medical evaluation and possibly be transported to an emergency room for care. Health Services will provide guidance regarding care. Transportation to an emergency room will be done by ambulance.

Vehicle Accidents In all cases of vehicle accidents with a student present in the vehicle, the parents/guardians and the transportation company (if not a Perkins van) must be notified immediately. A student incident report must be completed following all motor vehicle accidents including those involving non-Perkins transportation. There are accident kits/worksheets in each vehicle with directions.

Overview of Procedures The regulations state that when more than 7 students are being transported, an attendant other than the driver is required. The speed limit on campus is 15 miles per hour. All Perkins vehicles have handicapped plates. This allows vehicles transporting students to park in spaces posted with “Handicapped Parking Only” signs as well as use of meters without paying fees. If there is not a student in the vehicle, do not use this allowance.

Overview of Procedures There are triangular reflectors, chock blocks and a first aid kit located in each car. All Perkins vehicles have E-ZPass transponders. This provides electronic toll collection. This allows staff to drive through the designated toll lane without stopping. When using credit cards, be sure to get a copy of the receipt and make sure the amount on the slip agrees with the one at the pump.

Sign Out Procedures There is a master car schedule. Each program have their own individualized schedules. Be sure that the car you are using is assigned to you. Cars should be signed out only for the period of time they are going to be used. Keys should be picked up from the Switchboard.

Return Procedures Please ensure there is sufficient gas in the vehicle (at least 1/2 tank.) All cars should be parked in assigned spaces. Please remember to remove all trash from the vehicle when you are finished using it.

Return Procedures All vehicles must be locked and windows should be closed when not in use. Return keys promptly! All vehicle problems must be reported via Schooldude or fill out a vehicle trouble sheet (available at switchboard.) Creedit Cards, registration

Parking Considerations Each vehicle has its height indicated on the dashboard. Please review this prior to arranging a trip off-campus. Be familiar with parking garages prior to arranging a trip. At present, the only approved parking garage for chair cars is the ground floor of the Museum of Science parking garage.