Is Using A Suburban Appropriate for the Trip/Activity?
1. Required Driver Training: Have all drivers completed the State Risk Management driver training video and test at http://risk.utah.gov/driver-video-and-test1.html? Have they filed their test results with Brad Harris, our driver training specialist, brad.harris@beaver.k12.ut.us? If yes, go to #2. If no, consider other options.
2. Driver Work Hour Restrictions: Each driver's situation must meet the following conditions on the day of driving:
They can only drive if their total work during the 24 hour period is 15 hours or less.
They cannot drive more than 10 hours within the same 24 hour period.
They must have at least 8 consistent rest hours within the same 24 hour period.
If the drivers meet these conditions, then go to #3. If no, consider other options.
3. Group Size: Is the number of students traveling to the event between 5 and 15 total students? If yes, then move on to #4 below. If no, consider other options.
4. Driving License: Is the driver(s) properly licensed and have completed the required driver safety training and test? If yes, then the principal is responsible for having a copy of their current license on file AND a copy of the drivers safety test, and then move on to #5 below. If no, consider other options.
5. Group Size: Will more than 2 Suburbans be needed for the trip? If yes, then schedule a bus. If no, move on to #6.
6. Weather Conditions: Are the weather conditions reasonable for using the Suburbans? If yes, then go to #7, if no consider cancelling the trip or use other options.
7. Driver Rest Time: Will the driver(s) be reasonably rested to perform their driving duties--both day and night driving? Principals, this means you need to explore this question with the drivers and set parameters as needed. If yes, then go to #8, if no, consider other options or find another driver.
8. Background Check & Training: Is the driver(s) a regular employee, coach, or adviser in the school that have completed a background check and driver safety training--not a just volunteer? If yes, then go to #9; if no, consider other options.
9. Supervision: Will there be at least 2 adults traveling with the student group--either in the same vehicle or one in each of 2 vehicles? If yes, go to #10; if no, consider other options.
10. Supervision: Can the students be reasonably supervised while the teacher/coach/adviser is driving? If yes, move on to #11; if no, consider other options.
11. Distance & Drive Time: Is the travel distance and time manageable under the conditions of the trip? If yes, move on to #12; if no, consider other options.
12. The Suburbans may be a good option if you reached this point in the decision tree.
**School Principals: Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring reasonable care is given in your decision. We simply ask that you use wise, prudent, and reasonable judgment and work with your staff carefully to ensure all bases are covered. This discussion can get extreme in both directions--something we don't want. There is middle ground, using REASONABLE & GOOD JUDGMENT. Many districts and schools use the Suburbans very effectively, but it all comes down to using good judgment and managing risk.
Thanks