Vehicle and Driver Safety

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and the community is a central concern of Stetson University. As a driver, you have a responsibility to your passengers, the university and to the general public with whom you share the roadway. The following safety guidelines, governing the use of university-owned, leased or business-related vehicles, are designed to support the safe and prudent use of vehicles. It is the responsibility of all university-approved drivers to review and adhere to these guidelines in order to support optimum safety while driving on behalf of the university.

Vehicles and Vans

All individuals driving for University business must: 

  1.  Be approved as a driver under the University's insurance policy guidelines;
  2.  Review the Driver and Vehicle Use Policy prior to driving; and
  3.  Complete the Driver Safety Learning Path prior to driving. 

Approved Driver Request

To request review of your driving record to be added to the Approved Drivers list, please complete the following form:

Please make sure that copies of your driver's license are legible. Allow five days for processing.

Training

All drivers must complete the Driver Safety Fundamentals, Defensive Driving Strategies: Get There Safely, and Passenger Van Safety courses in the UE Training Portal. Completion certificates should be forwarded to the operator’s supervisor for record keeping. Training is required every three years.

Supervisors shall not permit individuals to drive vehicles until training is complete.

Drivers can self-register for training using the Driver Safety Learning Path through United Educators. 

Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

All golf cart and utility vehicle operators shall review the Golf Cart and Utility Vehicle Safety Policy and complete the required training prior to operating a cart or utility vehicle.  

Training

All drivers must complete the Golf Cart Safety course in the UE Training Portal and complete a hands-on training session. Completion certificates should be forwarded to the operator’s supervisor for record keeping. Training is required every three years.

Supervisors shall not permit individuals to drive golf carts or utility vehicles until training is complete. 

Drivers can self-register for training using the Golf Cart Safety Learning Path through United Educators. 

Accident Reporting Guidelines

Vehicle, Van, or Truck Accidents

Drivers must report all auto accidents that occur while traveling for university business or university-sponsored activity to their supervisor and to the Office of Risk Management as soon as safely possible. If the accident occurs on Stetson-owned or leased property, the Office of Public Safety must be called to document the incident.

If involved in an auto accident:

  • Notify the proper authorities immediately and obtain a copy of the police report. If you are unable to obtain a copy of the police report, please request information from the responding officer on how to request the report.
  • Whether or not an officer is in attendance, always exchange pertinent information with all parties involved in the accident. Required information you need to document includes:
    • The date, time, and location of the accident;
    • The name of the responding law enforcement agency and the names of the specific officers who responded;
    • Photos and a list of damages;
    • A diagram of the accident;
    • All drivers’ names, their addresses, and phone numbers;
    • The name of each driver’s insurance company and the applicable policy number;
    • The year, make, model and color of all other vehicles involved; and
    • The names and contact numbers for any passengers and witnesses.
  • Complete the Vehicle Accident Report Form within 24 hours and return the form to the Office of Risk Management.
  • If an employee is injured in an auto accident, a worker's compensation report must be filed with the Office of Risk Management.
  • If the vehicle is a rental, the accident must be reported to the rental company.

Golf Cart and Utility Vehicle Accidents

Drivers are required to report golf cart and utility vehicle accidents to the Office of Public Safety immediately or as soon as safely possible. Drivers are also required to report golf cart and utility vehicle accidents to their supervisor or to their student organization advisor, whichever is applicable, and to the Office of Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident. If injuries result from the accident, the supervisor and the Office of Risk Management must be notified immediately. 

Accident Investigations

All vehicle, van, golf cart, and utility vehicle accidents or incidents will be investigated and reviewed by an accident review committee. At minimum, the accident review committee will consist of members of the Office of Risk Management, the Office of Public Safety, the Office of Facilities Management, and the Office of Human Resources. If necessary, the supervising advisor, director, VP or dean may be included in the review. Future driving permissions and any corrective actions will be decided by this committee based on the totality of the circumstances.