DRIVING ON UNIVERSITY BUSINESS

Unless specifically directed in writing by Human Resources, Employees are not required to own or drive their personal vehicles to and from work. Employees may utilize other forms of transportation (including, but not limited to, walking, biking, carpooling, or public mass transit) in order to commute to and from work or while traveling on University business. Employees are not permitted to drive any vehicle for the benefit of or on behalf of the University without prior authorization from their Supervisor, and without a current driver’s license and current vehicle insurance in effect. Employees driving personal vehicles on University business are not allowed to run personal errands.

Employees are responsible for any traffic violations issued while driving on University business. Employees are not permitted to drive while under the influence of any illegal substance, unauthorized controlled substance, or an excessive amount of an otherwise lawfully controlled substance authorized under both federal and state law. Employees are not permitted to engage in distracted driving while driving on University business, regardless of whether using a University vehicle or personal vehicle. Employees are required to take all safety precautions and observe all rules of the road, including wearing a seat belt.

State law and/or University policy prohibit the following while operating a vehicle:

• • Use of handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device, unless
    (1) the device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice and hands-free operation,
    (2) is mounted on the windshield, dashboard or center console, and (3) can be activated or deactivated with a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger
  • “Texting,” including reading, writing, or sending text messages; and
  • Use of headphones, earbuds, or Bluetooth devices that obstruct, cover, rest on, are inserted into, or are designed for use with both ears.

It is, therefore, against University policy to use a handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device unsafely while operating a vehicle on University business. Such devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, laptops, pagers, electronic tablets, or GPS devices. Employees who are cited for driving or moving-vehicle violations due to the use of such communication devices will be solely responsible for all fines and liabilities that may result.

Employees under 18 years of age are not permitted to drive on behalf of the University.

Any traffic accident or other incident an Employee becomes involved in while on University business must be reported to Human Resources immediately.