Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards

On May 6, of 1997, Governor Frank Keating signed emergency rules submitted by the Oklahoma Department of Central Services. The rules are pursuant to Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes 580:25-9-1, 580:25-11-2, and 580:25-11-3.

Because the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center personnel, to include employees, faculty, staff and in some cases students, operate state and/or university vehicles these rules apply.

 

Primary Requirements

• To operate a vehicle of any type, an individual must have a valid driver's license.
• Drivers will use the vehicle only for state or other covered entity business within the scope of the driver's employment, or authority.
• Drivers will wear seat belts.
• Drivers will observe all traffic laws.
• Drivers will not allow an unauthorized person to operate the vehicle.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages, or narcotics, prior to the operation of a vehicle is prohibited.

General Requirements

• Backing of vehicles, where the driver does not have a clear view of the entire area behind the vehicle, will be accomplished with the assistance of a guide. If a second person is in the vehicle, they should guide the vehicle back using the appropriate hand and voice signals. If alone, the driver should check the area behind the vehicle before backing.
• Drivers will ensure that windows, headlights, tail lights, and wipers are clean and operational at all times.
• In order to give ample warning to oncoming and following vehicles, turn signals must be utilized by drivers at all times, and when making a turn or changing lanes.
• Do not "tail-gate". When following other vehicles in normal traffic, and under good weather conditions, a time gap of two seconds should be allowed.
• On hills, curves, intersections, or in any area where vision is obstructed, do not make a turn about (u-turn).
• Vehicles, and equipment, shall not be parked or left adjacent to the roadway in such a manner as to constitute a traffic hazard to the driving public. Vehicles will not be parked where they will obstruct the sight of other drivers.

Specific Requirements

• It shall be unlawful for any driver of any vehicle to operate said vehicle without a valid drivers license, pursuant to 47 O.S. §1981, Section 6-101 et seq. Drivers will carry a valid drivers license at all times, pursuant to 47 O. S. §1981, Section 6-112.
• Any volunteer, or employee who operates a state or other covered entity vehicle regularly, or occasionally, is required to report suspension or revocation of their driver's license to their agency. Failure of an employee or volunteer to report a change in license status will result in denial of insurance coverage by the Risk Management Division in the event of an accident pursuant to 580:25-9-1(3)(A). Disciplinary action.
•  All items or materials, which may move around during transport by truck or trailer, will be secured or tarped.
• No more than three (3) persons will ride in the front seat of a state or covered entity vehicle. Where only two (2) single seats exist, only one rider may ride in each seat.
• Drivers of state or other covered entity vehicles will drive in a courteous manner at all times.
• Drivers who are involved in two vehicle related incidents in a twelve (12) month period, or three incidents in a thirty-six (36) month period will be required to take a driver improvement course approved by the State Risk Management Division. Any driver of a motor vehicle involved in two accidents within a twenty four (24) month period while functioning as an agent of the State, and in which the driver acted negligently (and caused personal injury and/or property damage) shall be required to attend and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Improvement Course, and which must be attended within six (6) months of the date of the second accident.
• Any driver of a motor vehicle, while functioning as an agent of the state, that is involved in two accidents in a twenty four (24) month period as a result of backing and or rear ending shall, in addition to item 6 above, be declared uninsurable for a period of three (3) months following the second accident

Maintenance Requirements

Before operating a state or other covered entity vehicle, the driver is responsible for checking to see that all necessary safety equipment and control devices are in good condition before the vehicle is operated.

It should be mentioned here, that the University of Oklahoma Police Department has a Certified Instructor, approved by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, for the purpose of teaching a Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course. For further information regarding the course, contact Chief Ed Welch @ 271-4300.

Last Updated 111705