MOTOR VEHICLE USE PROGRAM
DRIVER SAFETY TIPS
RMS101 – Driver Safety Tips
9 Observe Speed Limits and Traffic Laws – Allow sufficient time to reach your destination
without violating speed limits or traffic laws.
9 Drivers License - Employees who drive state or privately owned vehicles on state business
must possess and carry on their person a current valid Operator's or CDL license and must
present it upon request to any authorized person.
9 Insurance - Employees who operate their privately owned vehicles on state business shall carry
proof of financial responsibility at all times that the vehicle is in operation and must present
evidence of current insurance coverage upon request to any authorized person. It is suggested
that all employees driving on state business have a copy of the state’s insurance card and
present that to the police in the event of an accident.
9 Seat Belts – Each driver and front seat passenger in any motor vehicle operated on a street or
highway in this state is required by law to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.
9 Cargo - Drivers hauling any type of cargo should ensure that the cargo is properly secured, and
that the height of the cargo is such that it shall safely pass under obstructions such as
under/over passes along the intended route before placing the vehicle in motion.
9 Electronic Devices – The use, operation and manipulation of electronic devices such as cellular
phones, Blackberries, or PDAs, by the driver while the vehicle is in motion is strongly
discouraged. Even with “hands free” equipment, conversing on the phone takes attention away
from driving; making it less likely the driver will notice hazardous situations. Employees are
neither required nor expected to use electronic devices for work-related reasons while driving.
9 Backing – Whenever possible, park the vehicle where backing is not required. Know what is
beside and behind the vehicle before beginning to back. Back slowly and check both sides as
well as the rear while backing. Continue to look to the rear until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
9 Intersections – When approaching and entering intersections be prepared to avoid crashes that
other drivers may cause. Take precautions to allow for the lack of skill or improper driving habits
of other drivers. Potentially dangerous acts include speeding, improper turn movements, and
failure to yield the right of way.
9 Weather Related Hazards – Rain, snow, fog, sleet or icy pavement increase the hazards of
driving. Slow down and be especially alert when driving in adverse conditions.
9 Passing – When you pass another vehicle, look in all directions, check your blind spots, and use
your signal. As a general rule, only pass one vehicle at a time.
9 Front End Crashes – By maintaining a safe following distance at all times, the driver can
prevent front-end collisions in spite of abrupt or unexpected stops of the vehicle ahead. Observe
the “two second rule” by following the vehicle ahead at a distance that spans at least two
seconds. The following distance should be increased when driving in adverse conditions.
9 Security – State vehicles should be locked whenever they are unoccupied.
9 Engines – The engine of a State vehicle should always be turned off before the driver exits the
vehicle.
Revised 8/2016