15-Passenger Vans

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Effective April 15, 2003 new policy and procedure guidelines will be in place for drivers of 15-passenger vans. These new guidelines were developed by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) Risk Management Division: 70.40.32. Policy Effective April 15, 2003 the following will be required of all 15-passenger van drivers: Sign the "15-Passenger Van Driver Valid License to Drive and Driving Experience Statement" Sign the "15-Passenger Van Driving Practices Acknowledgement Statement" Review the OFM Risk Management Division's "15-Passenger Van Driver Basic Safety Guidelines" Renew the signed forms and review the OFM guidelines every two years. Failure to complete all three steps of this procedure for each driver will result in the inability to drive a 15-passenger van, no exceptions. These steps must be completed prior to the initial driving assignment, additional forms do not need to be submitted for each subsequent driving assignment. This policy applies to all 15-passenger vans rented with Motor Pool Operations and contracted outside rental agencies. In addition to outlining the procedures for compliance with these regulations, Motor Pool Operations will provide the following: Vehicle hang-tags placed in each van Information on reducing the risk of rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans made available to all clients "Road to Safety" video available for check-out from the rental office Procedure Departments are required by OFM to follow these procedures for each 15-passenger van driver regardless of whether they have driven 15-passenger vans in the past or their status at the University of Washington (faculty, staff, temporary employees, students, student employees, volunteers, etc.). Questions regarding this policy may directed to the Motor Pool Manager. Completion of the 15-Passenger Van Driver Valid License to Drive and Driving Experience Statement * Completion of the 15-Passenger Van Driver Safe Driving Practices Acknowledgement Statement * Review of the 15-Passenger Van Drivers Basic Loss Prevention Guide * Signed forms should be routed as follows: Original to department files (specified as "agency" in the OFM statement) Copy to driver Copy to Motor Pool Operations, box 354270 List all drivers in the "comments" field when submitting your reservation request. All drivers listed will need to complete this procedure. Review the OFM Risk Management Division's "15-Passenger Van Driver Basic Safety Guidelines" every two years. In following these procedures, please keep in mind: It is the department's responsibility to comply with these procedures and notify Motor Pool Operations of approved drivers. Drivers who arrive at Motor Pool Operations without prior notification of their approval will not be allowed to check out a 15-passenger van. Operating a 15-passenger van without completing all forms and procedures may result in the loss of rental privileges. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Does everyone who might drive a 15-passenger van have to submit these forms? Yes! Any person (faculty, staff, students, temporary employees, etc.) who plans on driving a 15-passenger van needs to follow these procedures and sign all of the forms. Who should sign/approve these forms? The forms need to be signed by your "supervisor." In some cases, this will be a department head, chair, or director. In other cases it may be a direct or unit supervisor. If you are not sure who should sign your form, call your department's main office. I'm renting vans from Enterprise or Budget. Do I need to fill out these forms? Yes! The policy refers to all vehicles rented by or on behalf of the University of Washington. Departments will be responsible for assuring compliance with drivers of outside agency vehicles as well as UW vehicles. Where do I find these forms? The forms can be printed by clicking on the above links or by visiting the OFM web site. Departments are encouraged to make copies of these forms and keep them on hand for quick access. Does this policy apply to other types of vans? At this time, no. Minivans and 12-passenger vans are exempt from this policy. HOWEVER, we encourage that the safety guidelines be reviewed when operating any type of van or rental vehicle. I'm picking up the keys to the vans but don't plan on being a driver. Do I need to submit these forms? Yes! Even though you don't plan on driving, Motor Pool will not release the vehicle keys to any person not previously approved to drive a 15-passenger van. Can one person pick up several keys or do all the drivers now need to come separately to Motor Pool? One person may pick up several keys AS LONG AS we have a list of all the drivers and copies of their completed forms. NHTSA Consumer Advisory On April 9, 2001 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a cautionary warning to users of 15-passenger vans due to the increased rollover risk under certain conditions. This cautionary advisory was reissued April 15, 2002. Click here to view this advisory. The advisory highlights the following findings: The risk of rollover increases dramatically as the number of van occupants increases to over ten passengers. 15-passenger vans (with ten or more passengers) had a rollover rate three times the rate of vans that were loaded with less than ten passengers. Loading vans causes the center of gravity to shift, thus increasing the potential for loss of control in panic maneuvers. This advisory is in response to these new findings as well as several highly publicized rollover accidents involving 15-passenger vans loaded with college students. Publications Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Vehicle Hang-tags * Cut out and hang from the mirror in the van! Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans * What increases rollover risk? What can cause a rollover? How can rollover crashes be prevented? * Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader:

		Motor Pool Operations mpreserv@u.washington.edu Modified: May 9, 2003	Transportation Services Motor Pool Operations