Information

Transportation Policy

Modes of Transportation

Modes of transportation used for student travel shall include, but not be limited to, cars, vans, and buses. Travel arrangements for student groups shall be made in accordance with administrative guidelines. 

Driver Requirements

A driver who is operating college-owned or leased vehicles must:

1. Be an employee or student of the College District. A College District employee must accompany student drivers.
2. Hold a valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicle to be driven. A driver of a commercial vehicle must have a commercial driver's license.
3. If driving a van, complete a safety course and show evidence of such completion before being issued a van.
4. Perform certain basic maintenance and vehicle inspection procedures before operating vehicles.

Safety Standards

Drivers shall ensure that the number of passengers does not exceed the designed capacity of the vehicles, except for vans, which shall be limited to no more than 12 persons without luggage. Each two pieces of luggage shall count as one person for purposes of calculating vehicle occupancy with the 12 person limitation.

Exception: Vans being used for tours at speeds of no more than 10 mph may carry up to 15 persons.

Drivers shall further ensure that each passenger is secured by a safety belt, if provided.

Drivers shall not be permitted to operate District vehicles under the following adverse conditions:

1. Highways covered with ice, sleet, or snow
2. Dense fog, which significantly reduces the driver's visibility
3. Severe weather conditions (flash flood warning, tornado warnings, tropical storms, hurricanes, or other adverse weather phenomena)

Drivers who encounter adverse driving conditions away from the institution and cannot operate the vehicle safely because of these conditions must stop and notify their immediate supervisors for instructions.

Drivers shall not use radar detectors.

Drivers shall not consume food while operating a district vehicle.

Nonalcoholic beverages, however, are acceptable.

Substance abuse is unauthorized. Physician prescribed medication that may adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle must be reported to the appropriate supervisor.

Drivers may use hands free cell phones only.

Drivers shall report any damage to vehicles. 

Drivers shall not allow children less than 48 inches in height to ride in College vehicles without the appropriate size child safety seat installed. 

Drivers shall inspect before driving to ensure that the vehicle has a full tank of fuel.

Driver Fatigue

A driver shall not drive for more than four consecutive hours without taking a 15-minute break or relief from driving.

Hitchhikers

Drivers shall not pick up unauthorized passengers.

Returning Vehicles

Drivers shall return all vehicles and keys to the Lee College transportation maintenance area within one hour after a trip is completed. Keys may be placed in the key box located at the transportation maintenance building. For vehicles used after normal business hours or on weekends, drivers are asked to contact Lee College Security at 281-425-6888 to arrange for access to the transportation maintenance area to park vehicles and deposit keys. Failure to return vehicles in a timely manner may result in loss of Lee College vehicle driving privileges for the individual responsible.  

DATE ISSUED: 16 Jun 05
CJ(LOCAL)-X