Training Requirements for Operation of 15 Passenger Vans

William S. Properzio, Director

Studies conducted by the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) of the US Department of Transportation reveal that loaded 15-passenger vans have significantly higher risk of rollover than passenger cars and light trucks. In response to these studies the UF Health and Safety Committee established the policy that requires all operation of 15-passenger vans to meet specified training requirements.

Reference:
Fifteen Passenger Vans Policy, UFEHS-VAN-09/10/01 at

http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/General/vanoper.htm

The policy elements include a driver’s license check, driver training, operational requirements and routine vehicle safety checks.

EH&S will coordinate the license check as discussed in the policy. There will be no charge to the departments for this service.

Van safety and driving classes for UF students and staff will be presented at the Reitz Union. Enrollment should be coordinated directly by the North Florida Safety Council. UF Departments should fax names of attendees to the North Florida Safety Council (fax 377-7544). It is the department’s responsibility to verify registration and availability. Departments will be invoiced by the NFSC. Any questions about billing should be directed to the NFSC, Sandy Howell, 377-2566 x 312.

Classes given in September are:

Tuesday, September 18, 1-5 pm, Room 349, Reitz Union
Monday, September 24, 1-5 pm, Room 349, Reitz Union

October and November classes will be scheduled and advertised through the DDD process and listed on the EH&S web site.

Alternatively, individual computer based training is available at EH&S Building 1079. Call Ayleen Alexander, 392-1591, to make an appointment. Note the CD-ROM may not be checked out.

The deadline for drivers to complete the required driver record screens and training is January 1, 2002. After that date no one may operate a 15-passenger van without fulfilling the requirements of the policy.