GOLF CART SAFETY POLICY and PROCEDURE

The Golf Cart Policy provides guidelines for the safety of golf cart drivers and pedestrians of La Sierra University, as well as procedures for acquisition and operation of golf carts. It is specifically developed to prevent property damage and injury to drivers, pedestrians, and the general public.

This policy applies to all University faculty, staff, and student employees driving or supervising the operation of golf carts. Each department that currently owns or will acquire a golf cart is responsible for the enforcement of this policy. University employees who contract service and/or utilize volunteer drivers for University events (i.e., Commencement, conference programs, student services, alumni function, etc.) are also responsible for the enforcement of this policy for events under their supervision or direction.

1. SAFE OPERATION

a. All drivers shall observe vehicle traffic laws while driving golf carts (e.g. stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, no cell phone usage or texting while driving).

b. The number of passengers and load capacity shall not exceed the manufacturer’s rated limit. Passengers must be seated with seatbelts fastened while operating the golf cart. If a cart is equipped with seat belts it must be worn. Children are not allowed to sit on the driver’s lap or steer the vehicle.

c. Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks at all times, when crossing all roadways within marked crosswalks, at unmarked crosswalks, at road intersections, and within parking lots.

d. Drivers must not exceed the posted campus speed limit of 15 mph on all campus streets and 5 mph on sidewalks.

e. Golf carts must NOT block any entrance to buildings, stairways, ramps, or thoroughfares.

f. Vehicles must only drive on clearly marked pathways.

2. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY

a. Drivers are required to have a valid California Driver’s License and obtain clearance through the Office of Risk Management. Golf cart clearance is valid for one year, expiring on June 30.

b. Authorized University drivers must complete the Golf Cart safety training through the University portal, review the Safety Policy & Procedure, and sign the Department Golf Cart Driver Agreement form. Once authorization is granted, their department will provide drivers with specific training tailored to their needs.

c. Reckless or grossly negligent driving automatically disqualifies the driver from the use any golf cart on campus.  Loss of privileges will be reported to the Office of Risk Management.

3. UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITY

a. Campus Security shall appoint a specific storage location and charging station, by department and building, according to available space campus wide.

b. Campus Security will assign a number to each registered golf cart through their parking system.

c. Risk Management will provide a campus map route for golf cart pathways with a parking legend. This map is available online at www.lasierra.edu/security.

d. IT will design the logo signage for each golf cart by department for identification purpose.

e. Each department head will provide and oversee their golf cart etiquette and safety training.

GOLF CART PROCEDURE

1. DRIVER CLEARANCE:

a. Complete the Driver Questionnaire form located at the following link:  (http://www.lasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/finadmin/Risk_Management/Driver_Questionnaire.pdf), attach a copy of the drivers’ valid California Driver’s License, submit documents to the office of Risk Management.

b. The office of Risk Management will conduct a DMV record check with the licensing State to verify driving history. See Vehicle Use Policy.

c. It is the responsibility of each department to follow up on the driver status. To check status, visit the Motor Vehicle Records Check Database at: http://www.lasierra.edu/index.php?id=3117 and follow the links for the General User.

2. GOLF CART ACQUISITIONS:

a. Ensure financial evidence to VP/Dean with signed Requisition form.

b. Provide written request to the Safety Committee:

i. Include reason/justification (i.e., disability, deliveries/pick up of heavy bulky objects, job duties require the use of golf carts to accommodate timeliness of work performed, transporting visitors campus wide, elderly, disabled, etc.)

ii. Authorized Requisition.

iii. Include availability of parking space, overnight storage and charging station near or at the building of requesting department.

iv. Ensure all future insurance and maintenance costs by the department.

c. Attain sign off by Financial Administration similar to all other vehicle and capital acquisitions.

d. Upon approved acquisition, register golf carts with Campus Security for identification.

3. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS (excluding non-street legal carts purchased before 2007):

a. Clearly identified number or label on the golf cart with a minimum of three inch letters in University colors (gold and blue).

b. Golf cart identification numbers designated by Security.

c. DMV vehicle registration through the Purchasing Department for street legal carts only.

d. Slow moving vehicles must display a safety triangle on the rear of vehicle. Safety triangles may be purchased through Physical Plant.

e. Lights: head and brake lights. (Exception: no headlights required on non-street legal carts)

f. Mirrors, side and rear view

g. Emergency brake

h. Backing alarm

i. Horn or audible warning device

j. Portable fire extinguishers mount in cart. Fire extinguisher mounts may be purchased through Physical Plant.

k. Safety belts for all passengers. (Exception: non-street legal carts)

l. Equipment tie downs and/or locking devices to secure the University golf cart at the storage location as assigned or approved.

4. ACCIDENT REPORTING:

In the event of a golf cart accident, call Campus Security at x2222 to file an accident report. Follow up with the Office of Risk Management for further injury/accident investigation and claim for damages.

Forms:

LSU DRIVER'S QUESTIONNAIRE

Golf Cart Driver Agreement (PDF file)

Golf Cart Access Paths