of University North Texas
Driver Safety Rules & Requirements
INSTRUCTIONS: This document must be provided to all driver applicants when completing the Driver Request Application Form. The driver will be held responsible for abiding by the safety requirements. For questions, please contact the Risk Management Services office, 700 North Texas Blvd. Telephone: [phone]
Safety requirements for operating UNT vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following: Rev 4-08 Note: Refer to the attached Texas Department of Safety "Traffic Safety Tips" document. Safe Driving Requirements "Applicant"/"Approved driver" (hereafter referred to as "Driver") must at all times wear a safety belt when operating any motor vehicle as required and ensure that all passengers wear safety belts as required during operation of a vehicle being used for University business/activity. In addition, any defects in safety belt restraint systems should be reported immediately to Facilities Automotive Services for required maintenance. Driver must comply at all times with all traffic safety laws when operating University vehicles. Driver is responsible for knowing how to safely operate a motor vehicle reasonably and according to state laws. Driver shall not permit unauthorized persons to drive, operate, ride in or on a vehicle owned by the University or rented for any University business/activity. Driver shall not permit anyone to ride on running boards, tailgates, fenders, hood, trunk, roof or any other part of any motorized vehicle or equipment except on seats or inside body walls. Driver shall not leave keys in a vehicle. It is against the law to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running, and violation may result in a suspension of driving privileges. No employee shall operate a UNT-owned or -rented 15-passenger van off-campus until successful completion of the UNT Van Driver Training Course (contact Human Resources at 565-2281 for more information on this training). Under no circumstances is smoking allowed in any University vehicle. No alcohol or drugs are allowed in University-owned or -rented vehicles, or personal vehicles used on approved University business/activity, and may not be used by the driver prior to the operation of any University motorized vehicle that would in any way violate law, impair judgment, hinder, and/or impede the driver's ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle. Driver must comply with all applicable University rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines at all times. All University employees are required to disclose any criminal behavior other than minor traffic violations to their supervisor immediately. See UNT Policy Manual, Human Resources, Volume 1, Classification 1.7.1, Definitions of Major Rule Violations (www.unt.edu/policy). If a driver is involved in an accident in a University-owned or rented vehicle, or one used for a University business/activity, and found to be negligent, the driver could be held liable and/or be subject to disciplinary action(s). If a driver violates traffic law and is cited for this offense, the driver shall be personally liable for payment of any fine that may come due as a result and shall pay said fine on or before the due date. Refer to UNT Policy Manual, Student Travel Policy 18.4.5, and consult the Dean of Students and/or Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for additional guidance. Driver Record & Licensing Requirements Note: Drivers possessing out-of-state licenses must comply with additional, time-sensitive requirements. Please read carefully. Driver must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license unless otherwise provisioned (see below). A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is ordered for all drivers of University vehicles. A University Driver Rating Evaluation form will be completed immediately and annually by Risk Management for each driver; the evaluation is based on the information received from the Department of Public Safety (or outside state agency) contained within the MVR. If a driver is found to be ineligible to drive a University vehicle, the supervisor and/or account holder in the Driver's department will be notified immediately. Driver Responsibility Acknowledgement of Potential Prior Disqualification(s): If a Driver's MVR has recent significant prior disqualification(s), a Driver Request Application may be submitted to determine a Driver Rating Evaluation score and a resulting level of driving privilege. However, until a score is determined, the driver cannot be qualified to operate a University-owned or -leased motor vehicle until privileges are determined. Any violation of this rule by non-disclosure of prior disqualifying conduct contained within an MVR may be deemed a violation of the UNT Policy Manual Major Rule Violations (see above), and may result in immediate suspension of vehicle operating privileges and disciplinary action(s). If Driver does not possess a Texas-issued driver's license, the applicant has 90 days ("obtainment period") to obtain a valid Texas driver's license before UNT vehicle driving privileges are suspended and department is notified. Any exemption to this rule must be approved by the Director of Risk Management Services (RMS) prior to the end of the obtainment period. IMPORTANT: Drivers who do not, at the time of submitting a Driver Request Application request for driving privileges, possess a valid Texas driver's license, must provide Risk Management Services with a current MVR report from their licensed state, at their cost, BEFORE THE END OF THE OBTAINMENT PERIOD. Additionally, only MVR reports delivered by the state of record by mail or facsimile to the Risk Management Services department are considered valid. BY SUBMITTING A UNIVERSITY DRIVER REQUEST APPLICATION, YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY EACH REQUIREMENT AS SET FORTH ABOVE, AND TO FOLLOW THE "TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS" ATTACHED.
DPS Backgrounder: Traffic Safety Tips
Motor vehicle crashes are among the causes leading of death and injury for Texans of all ages. Common-sense practices and preventive maintenance, along with a knowledge of the law, can significantly increase anyone's chances of arriving safely. Know and obey the law: Be aware of and obey posted speed limits. Observe warning signs. Adapt your driving habits to changing weather and road conditions. Keep cell phone use to a minimum and avoid other distractions while driving. Wear seat belts. Insist that others in your vehicle wear belts, too. Be sure all children in the vehicle are properly restrained. Always use turn signals. Don't tailgate. At collision or construction sites, obey directions from uniformed law enforcement officers. Speeding in construction zones carries double the penalty of normal speeding violations. Don't drink and drive. Don't drive under the influence of drugs. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects from any new drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Be aware that combinations of drugs and alcohol can compound the effects of each other. Don't pick up hitchhikers. Use common sense: Always lock your doors. Tell friends or family the route you are traveling and your expected arrival time. Call them if your route or arrival time changes. Don't drive in unfamiliar areas after dark. Park in well-lit areas, preferably with attendants on duty. Have your keys in your hands as you approach your vehicle. Check the interior of your car before entering, even if your doors are locked. If you see a stranger near your car, get help or wait until the stranger leaves. Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid problems: Check all fluids regularly, with particular attention to battery and radiator fluids in extreme hot and cold weather. Check for leaks. Clear water usually is condensation, but any leak with a petroleum look or smell, or water with a green or pink color, is a sign that trouble is on the way. Check tires (including the spare), windshield wipers and belts for abnormal wear. Check tire air pressure. Keep the fuel tank at least half full. Have your vehicle checked periodically by a professional mechanic. If you have a breakdown: Move your car as far off the roadway as possible. Turn on emergency flashers. Get out of your car away from traffic. Raise your hood. Tie a light-colored cloth to the antenna or door handle. If possible, wait for a uniformed law enforcement officer. If someone other than a uniformed officer offers help, keep your doors locked and ask them to call police for help. Remember the Texas stranded and disabled motorist help line: 1-800-525-5555.
Texas Department of Public Safety, revised 10/06
University of North Texas
Instructions
Driver Request Form
Rev 10/07
The driver applicant and supervisor must complete and sign this form before the applicant will be considered for driving privileges of University-owned and/or rented vehicles. The University Driver Safety Rules & Requirements is provided with this form to the driver applicant for review and consideration when completing the application. For Questions, please call [phone]. Documents may be downloaded from http://rms.unt.edu/
IMPORTANT
The driver listed below must be a current University employee, and qualifies only if the employee driver at a minimum: 1. Has proper approval(s); 2. Agrees to comply with UNT rules, regulations and procedures; 3. Obeys all applicable laws
Requested Action Add Driver Driver Information
NOTE All driver information must be as it appears on drivers' license, and be completed in full. INCOMPLETED FORM WILL DELAY PROCESSING AND BE RETURNED TO TH...