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Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards
On May 6, 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 employee, 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.
- Driver will use the vehicle only for state or other covered entity business within the scope of the driver's
employment/authority.
- Driver will wear his/her safety belt.
- Driver will observe all traffic laws.
- Driver will not allow an unauthorized person to driver the vehicle.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages or narcotics prior to the operation of a vehicle is prohibited.
General Requirements
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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, he/she should guide the vehicle back
using the appropriate hand and voice signals. If the driver
is alone, he/she should check the area behind his/her vehicle
before backing.
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Drivers will ensure that windows, headlights,
taillights, and wipers are clean and operational at all times.
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In order to give ample warning to oncoming
and following vehicles, turn signals must be utilized by drivers
at all times, when making a turn or changing lanes.
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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.
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On hills, curves, intersections or in any
area where your vision is obstructed, do not make a turnabout,
i.e., u-turn.
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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
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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.
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Any volunteer or employee who operates a
state or other covered entity vehicle regularly or occasionally
is required to report suspension or revocation of his/her 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.
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All items or materials, which may move around
during transport by truck or trailer, will be secured or tarped.
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No more that 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.
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Drivers of state or other covered entity
vehicles will drive in a courteous manner at all times.
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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 must be attended within six (6) months of the date
of the second accident.
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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 the above paragraph 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
he/she operates it.
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