Driver Responsibilities
Before leaving the parking area or garage, particularly with a rental vehicle or a vehicle that driver does not ordinarily drive, be reasonably satisfied that the following parts and components are in good working order. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Service Brakes
- Parking Brake
- Steering Mechanism
- Lights/Reflector Devices
- Tires/Wheels
- Horn
- Windshield Wipers/Washers
- Rear-Vision Mirrors
- Coupling Devices (if applicable)
Report any defects immediately to the vehicle coordinator to determine if the vehicle is safe to operate.
All College vehicles should be thoroughly inspected and carefully maintained to provide a safe form of transportation. The Motor Pool is required to keep standardized inspection and maintenance records on every College vehicle. Annual inspections and maintenance are performed by the College’s Motor Pool. Compliance with this plan is the responsibility of the department of the College to which the vehicle is assigned.
Annual Vehicle Safety Inspections
Annual vehicle safety inspections are required for all College-owned vehicles. The inspection is performed by the College’s Motor Pool staff or by an authorized auto repair shop or dealer. The Motor Pool is responsible for having the College’s vehicles inspected in accordance with the vehicles’ designated inspection schedule.
A vehicle should be placed out of service if a defect is discovered that compromises safety. The vehicle should remain out of service until the defect is repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Repair
Preventative maintenance should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and include such items as: replacement of windshield wipers, belts and hoses, tire rotation, brake adjustment, engine tune-up, oil and filter changes, and transmission service.
Documentation
Standardized recordkeeping is vital to the success of the vehicle inspection and maintenance components of this program. Records will be maintained on all owned and leased automobiles. Records will also be maintained on all other vehicles such as tractors, backhoes, bulldozers, etc.
All manufacturer-issued recalls and safety problems should be reported and recorded. The vehicle should be withdrawn from service until it is repaired or replaced following a recall or safety issue with the vehicle.
Files on vehicle maintenance will be kept by and at the Motor Pool office.