I. PURPOSE:
To establish a policy for the safe use and operation of golf carts, service vehicles or any motorized type unit not considered a vehicle, by state statue, on all Robert Morris University (RMU) campuses.

II. GENERAL:
Any person, who accepts the privilege of operating a golf cart, service vehicle or any motorized type unit, not considered a vehicle on RMU premises is deemed, by so doing, to have the knowledge, training and skill to safely operate that vehicle and shall be fully accountable for their actions and the consequences thereof. This policy covers all listed vehicle which is owned, leased or operated on RMU premises, by RMU employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors or agents, students and any rental group, regardless of size or energy source.

III. DEFINITIONS:

1. Golf Cart - a low speed vehicle which is owned designed to be used on a golf course but is used at the University for other transportation purposes.
2. Service Vehicle - includes all other type of vehicles equipped to be driven that may be used by the maintenance department for their operational day to day work.
3. Other motorized type devices - a low speed device that may be used an RMU property i.e., Segway's, Motorized scooters, etc...

IV. AUTHORITY:
The RMU Public Safety Department shall restrict golf carts and all low speed vehicles for use on facility premises only. All rented carts and low speed vehicles are subject to the same rules instated within this policy. The University holds no responsibility for the safety features and equipment of the rented device. It is the rental company responsibility to make sure all such devices are safe for operation.

V. RESPONSIBILITY:
Golf carts or service vehicles shall be operated in accordance with the requirements of the attached documents, which are by reference incorporated into this Policy.

1. RMU Safety Committee/Security Management Subcommittee
   1. Shall administer the Golf Cart or Service Vehicle Safety Policy.
2. RMU Public Safety Department
   1. Shall police the parking and operation of low speed vehicles.
   2. Shall impound, if necessary, golf cart or service vehicles violating the provisions of the RMU Golf Cart & Service Vehicle Safety Procedures. The vehicle will remain impounded until such time the owner complies with all applicable requirements.
   3. Shall provide or assist in providing the training program.
   4. Shall maintain a list of all low speed vehicles, users and owners.
3. Deans, Directors, Managers, Department Heads, and Supervisors
   1. Shall register the cart with the RMU Public Safety Department and affix the registration decal.
   2. Shall assure that all golf carts or service vehicles and operators, within their department, comply with the University Golf Cart & Service Vehicle Safety Policy.
   3. Shall assure that each golf cart or service vehicle owned, leased, or operated by their department which is used on RMU premises, is scheduled for and receives at least annual preventative maintenance services through RMU Maintenance.
   4. Shall ensure that a copy of the RMU Golf Cart and Service Vehicle Safety Rules is properly posted on each vehicle owned or operated by the Department.
   5. Shall assure that required training and all completed Policy Acknowledgement Forms are maintained on record within their department for three calendar years, after departure form the University.
   6. Shall assure that each individual who has been authorized to operate golf carts/service vehicles or who would reasonably be expected to operate said vehicles receives training prior to operating. Training shall include all aspects of this policy, safety procedures and employee demonstration of safe vehicle operation.
   7. Shall assure that operators receive periodic evaluation, counseling and training as appropriate to correct non-compliance or other noted deficiencies related to this policy.
   8. Shall complete and sign the Vehicle Information Form when purchasing a golf cart or service vehicle.
4. RMU Facilities/Maintenance
   1. Shall perform at least annual maintenance of all low speed vehicles. Preventative maintenance services shall include verification of the presence and proper operation of various safety features and, adjustment of the setting for "speed governors," as may be appropriate.
   2. Shall remove from service any vehicle deemed unsafe, until such time the user/owner arranges for the repairs.
   3. Must maintain annual inspection records of all repairs until the golf cart or low speed vehicle is taken out of service.
5. Operators
   1. Shall be knowledgeable regarding the requirements of the RMU Golf Cart & Service Vehicle Safety Policy and Procedures.
   2. Shall acknowledge responsibility and accountability for compliance with the Policy by completing the Policy Acknowledgement Forms.
   3. Shall complete safety training as required prior to operating a golf cart or service vehicle.
6. Purchasing Department
   1. Shall assure that all requisitions for the purchase of golf carts or service vehicles are accompanied by an appropriately completed Vehicle Information Form.
   2. Shall assure that all purchases of low speed vehicles are equipped with the appropriate safety features prior to the purchase.

VI. PROCEDURES:

1. Golf carts and service vehicles shall be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians shall be afforded the right-of-way at all times. Pedestrians as defined in this document refer to: persons walking, jogging, inline skating, skateboarding, bicycling, or those in wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices.
2. Golf carts or service vehicles shall be operated in accordance with the following specific rules:
   1. All occupants in the vehicle shall keep hands, arms, legs and feet within the confines of the vehicle while it is in motion and should only contain the number of passenger as there are seats.
   2. Golf carts or service vehicles shall not be parked in a location where they could obstruct an entrance or exit to any facility.
   3. Operators shall stop golf carts and service vehicles at all blind intersections and proceed cautiously at all times.
   4. Operators should avoid all walkways less than six feet wide. The recommended speed on walkways is 5 mph and in a congested area, the speed should be no faster than pedestrians walking in the same area.
   5. Special care shall be taken while driving golf carts or service vehicles through parking lots and on walkways. Golf carts shall not be operated at speeds in excess of 5 mph in these areas.
   6. Golf carts and service vehicles should operate or park only on hard surfaces unless the vehicle is specifically designed for and used for grounds maintenance.
3. Golf carts shall be parked and or operated in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on roadways, ramps or sidewalks.
4. Supervisors shall assure that each employee within their department, who is authorized to operate golf carts and service vehicles, is appropriately advised of all the requirements of the RMU Policy and these procedures.
5. Supervisors shall obtain, and maintain on file, a statement signed by each employee who has been authorized to operate golf carts and service vehicles, attesting to their knowledge and understanding of the RMU Golf Cart & Service Vehicle Safety Policy. Please see Policy Acknowledgement Forms.
6. Supervisors shall assure that employees review the Policy prior to any employee operating a golf cart or service vehicle, following any non-compliance incident and whenever determined necessary by the Supervisor.
7. Golf carts and service vehicles shall be operated within the confines of RMU property only.
8. Any individual or entity who is not an employee, agent or volunteer of RMU, who wishes to use RMU golf carts or service vehicles, or other such vehicles not owned by RMU, shall seek written permission from the head of the department, and approval from Public Safety Department.
9. Authorization to operate a golf cart on roadways is contingent on the possession of a valid driver's license. Employees shall immediately notify their supervisor if and when their driver's license is suspended or revoked.
10. Passengers seeking assistance are permitted on golf carts and service vehicles if the operator has fulfilled the requirements of the policy and procedures and the vehicle is operated on RMU grounds for RMU purposes.
11. Supervisors shall assure that golf carts and service vehicles are operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Golf carts and service vehicles shall not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed or safety of the vehicle.
12. Any golf cart or service vehicle, intended to be operated in excess of 15 mph, shall be equipped with specific safety features that include, but are not limited to seat belts, windshields, headlights, brake lights and rear-view mirrors. All University speed limits shall be observed.
13. Golf carts and service vehicles intended for use between dusk and dawn, regardless of operating speeds, shall be equipped with headlights and taillights.
14. Supervisors shall assure that each golf cart or service vehicle is tagged with the maximum load capacity recommended by the manufacturer. Golf carts and service vehicles equipped with a back carriage shall not be overloaded. Overloading decreases maneuverability and safe operation.
15. Employees shall not operate golf carts or service vehicles owned by other departments unless approval has been granted by the supervisor of the department/unit to which the vehicle is owned.
16. Golf carts and service vehicles shall be operated in compliance with the common "rules of the road" regardless of whether they are being operated on sidewalks or roadways.
17. Golf carts and service vehicles shall be equipped with a functional horn, unless the option was not available at the time of the vehicle purchase.
18. Operators of golf carts or service vehicles, which are not equipped with turn indicators, shall use appropriate hand signals.
19. Golf carts or service vehicles intended for operation in parking areas shall be equipped with strobes and back-up alarms. Installation of back-up alarms on all golf carts or service vehicles is required.
20. Each golf cart or service vehicle shall be operated in accordance to the manufacturer's "Safety and Operation Instructions" affixed to the vehicle.
21. All accidents involving golf carts and service vehicles shall be reported immediately to the supervisor of the department to which the vehicle is registered, and to RMU Public Safety Department, regardless of whether property or personal injury occurred. Police reports shall be filed as appropriate.
22. Each operator shall be responsible to provide timely notification of safety and maintenance concerns regarding golf carts and service vehicles to the supervisor of the department to which the vehicle is registered, who will contact Facilities/Maintenance or other approved service facility for repair.
23. Chargers for low speed electric vehicles must be plugged directly into a ground fault interrupter receptacle. The use of extension cords is not permitted.

Implementation Date: March 2006