Utility Carts

Utility Cart Safety.mp4

Why You Need Utility Cart Training

Roughly 1,000 accidents per month happen involving utility carts.

All prospective SUU utility cart drivers are required to complete utility cart training before driving.

Utility carts can be driven ONLY by someone who is authorized and has successfully completed this training.

What is a Utility Cart?

At SUU, utility carts are light and medium duty, 4 wheeled vehicles.

Sometimes referred to as “golf-carts”, or Kubotas.

Trucks, tractors, forklifts, etc. are not utility carts.

Utility Cart Use Authorization

Individuals who want to use utility carts must:

Be authorized by an administrative officer of the department to which the cart is registered
Complete the SUU Utility Cart Safety Training (this is it)
Complete hands-on Utility Cart Safety Training with the department's administrative officer

Only authorized SUU employees or volunteers are permitted to drive SUU Utility Carts.

Cart Maintenance

Utility carts must undergo routine maintenance just like any other vehicle.
It is your responsibility to know if a utility cart is in need of maintenance. Maintenance needs should be reported to the department’s administrative officer.
Administrative Officers and Operators are responsible for reviewing the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements.
Any violation of maintenance policies or procedures must be reported in a written incident report and reported to the Director of Facilities Safety and Risk Management.

Daily Inspections

Basic inspections are to be done at least daily on all carts before use.
On a brief walk-around the cart check for:
- Low tire pressure
- Rust damage
- Broken turn signals
- And/or fluid leaks
After completing a walk-around check the interior of the cart for:
- Loose steering
- Broken mirrors
- Working headlights and hazard lights
- And working brakes
Anything that is not in working order must be reported to your Departments Administrative Officer.
- The cart is then to be taken out of service until repaired. Do not use any cart that is experiencing maintenance issues.

Cargo Load Safety

All cargo protruding 3 feet or more from the rear of the vehicle or 1 foot from either side must be properly flagged.
Know the carts capacity before loading. If you’re unsure on the carts weight capacity check the users manual.
Never exceed the carts load capacity.
All loads must be properly secured before cart operation begins. Ask your department’s administrative officer if you are unsure if your load is properly secured.
In addition anything that could potentially hinder you from driving safely including in the cab of the cart must also be secured.
Passengers are never allowed to ride in the bed of the cart.

Cart Passenger Safety

All cart occupants must keep hands and all other body parts inside the cart while it’s in motion.
The cart must come to a complete stop before anyone exits the cart. (No jumping or stepping on or off the vehicle while it’s in motion.)
All occupants must wear seatbelts while the cart is in motion.
Carts must never carry more passengers than is allowed.
- One seatbelt for every person. If you’re unsure on occupancy load check the manual.

Rules of Operation

Operation of a utility cart without successfully completing training is a violation of university standards.
Talk to your supervisor if you are unsure if you’ve completed the proper training.
Just like any other vehicle, use of mobile devices is prohibited while operating a utility cart. If the use of a mobile device is necessary pullover into a safe area and turn off the cart.
Never engage in an activity that could distract you from driving safely.
- Keep your hands on the wheel
- If full attention can not be given to the safe operation of the cart, pullover and stop the vehicle until full attention can be given to driving.
Never race or use extreme acceleration.
Keep a proper distance from pedestrians, other carts, and objects along your path.
When backing, do so slowly and watch where you are going.

Path of Travel

Displayed below is a map of designated and alternate utility cart paths. Any unmarked sidewalks on campus that are wide enough to safely navigate are also approved paths. Please review this map and only drive on approved paths.

A printable PDF copy may be obtained by clicking the button here.

Utility Cart Path of Travel Map PDF

On occasion, road work and other hazards may necessitate temporary modifications. These will be posted here with effective dates

Designated and Alternate Paths

Where You Can Drive:

SUU’s utility carts are not licensed for driving on roads.
Whenever possible, utility carts should only be driven on designated paths and sidewalks.
Utility carts are not allowed on grass, xero-scape, or other landscaping except as needed by grounds or event setup crews

Speed Limits:

On designated paths, the maximum speed limit is 10 mph.
When driving around pedestrians, slow down to 5 mph and be prepared to stop if necessary.
On the road, accelerate to a safe driving speed.
- Some utility carts may not be able to keep up with a 25 mph speed limit, but most are capable of speeds between 15 and 20 mph.

When on Designated Utility Cart Paths:

Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Do not attempt to drive when there is heavy foot traffic; park and wait for traffic to clear.
If a sidewalk is narrower than the utility cart, do not drive on it.

When on Roads:

Follow all traffic rules. Drive like a car.
Stay in the right lane, it is safer than the medians.
Accelerate to a safe speed.
Be mindful of traffic behind you.
Only certain roads may be approved for utility cart travel.

Driving Safety

The driver is responsible for maintaining awareness of surroundings such as pedestrians and any conditions (physical and environmental) that would prohibit them from clearing your path of travel efficiently.
When approaching a blind corner or your view of the path is obstructed it may be helpful to use the horn as well as slowing down. Know your route before attempting to maneuver the cart on the path.
The driver is also responsible for taking necessary precautions in hazardous weather conditions such as stopping time and turning ability on wet pavement and/or grass.
- Precautions must also be taken into consideration for other vehicles in the area when traveling on roads and through intersections.
- In all cases make sure your cart comes to a complete stop allowing the operator to check for any hazards at intersections.
Plan deliveries and projects to avoid peak pedestrian hours.
Avoid parking and driving multiple carts in the same general location when possible.
Do not drive carts inside buildings.
Always take the least disruptive route possible and stay on designated utility cart safe path of travel.
Avoid driving on sides of hills, through mud, or any other potentially dangerous area.

Pedestrian Safety

Always be mindful of pedestrians.
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
Never assume pedestrians see you and/or will stop or move out of the way for you.
Do not use the cart to intimidate or bully pedestrians off of the path.
Avoid using the utility cart during times of high pedestrian traffic.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have physical challenges and may not be able to move quickly through intersections. Other pedestrians may be visually or hearing impaired and may not be able to see you or hear the horn.
As a utility cart operator you are responsible for safety.
- At all times yield to pedestrians.
- Slow down as needed when pedestrians are present. Speed should not exceed 5 MPH in areas with pedestrian traffic.
- Utility cart speed is not to exceed 10 MPH at any time on designated paths.

Road and Weather Conditions

Always account for conditions that cause slippery or hazardous surfaces.
Watch for pavement that is wet, icy, snowy, or oily. Also watch for obstacles in your path.
Keep alert for wet grass, mud, or sand and use caution in those areas.
Slow down to a safe speed to allow you to be fully aware of your surroundings and to keep full control of the cart.

Stopping

Since utility carts are used in areas of pedestrian traffic safely stopping is particularly important.
- Anticipate crosswalks and possible danger areas.
- Apply the brakes slowly and ensure that the cart comes to a complete stop.
- Never cruise through intersections or walkways even if you’re familiar with the area. Always anticipate pedestrian and cross traffic.
- Utility carts are vehicles and must obey all traffic laws.
- Do not stop the cart in crosswalks or in front of doorways; on sidewalks; or in front of fire hydrants, fire lanes or access ramps.

Parking

When parking, hold your foot firmly on the brake until the cart comes to a complete stop. Engage the emergency brake. Turn off the engine. And always remove the key.
Parked utility carts should not interfere with emergency operations. Carts should not:
- Block fire lanes.
- Block building access for emergency responders.
- Block any location that may cause difficulties if an emergency were to occur.
To help in this regard carts should never be parked:
- Within 15 feet of a door
- At the base of a stairway
- Where it would restrict fire hydrant access
- Where it would block building evacuation routes
- In high pedestrian traffic areas
- Near ADA ramps, door opener buttons, or blocking any other ADA accessible route

Key Use and Storage

Cart keys are to always remain with the person to whom is in charge of the cart.
The key is never to be left in the cart without the cart being occupied.
When the cart is returned to the designated parking area the key must also be returned to its designated storage lock box.

Reporting Accidents

Any accident involving utility carts must be reported to the SUU Police Department immediately by calling (435) 586-1911.
- If you haven't already, take a moment to save this number on your phone.
Accident reporting also requires completion and submission of the SUU Vehicle Accident Report Form to the Director of Facilities Safety and Risk Management.

Remember

Never operate a cart until you feel completely comfortable with the cart.
Be familiar with the owner's manual of the particular cart which you are operating.
When in doubt ask.

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