Section D. Transportation

Risks to Consider 

• Transportation is our most significant hazard. We will drive hundreds of freeway and off-road miles during this trip. Drivers have a great responsibility and must be extremely vigilant and careful – the lives of all of passengers, members of the caravan, and the public at large are in their hands. 

Associated Safety Hazards 

• Driver-related hazards: fatigue, distractions, and inattention during driving are significant hazards 

• Flat tires: are a common potential hazard. 

• Car-person collisions: several activities require work along busy roadways 

Mitigation of Hazards 

• All participants must pay careful attention to safety briefings by the instructors. It is your responsibility to be fully informed of potentially hazardous conditions associated with use of vehicles.  

• Passengers must never do anything to interfere with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely.  

• Passengers riding shotgun should never sleep and should help keep drivers awake and aware. 

• Personnel driving university vehicles must first satisfy all the driver requirements outlined by their home university. Additional defensive driver training is strongly recommended. 

• Before driving, drivers should take whatever time needed to familiarize themselves with their vehicle and routes.  

• Participants must wear high-visibility clothing (and/or safety vests if provided) when working along roadways and bike trails. 

• Read, understand, and follow the procedures in the Guidelines for Driving University Vehicles below.