Transcript Utility Cart Safety - Facilities

University of North Texas
Automotive Services Department
Types of Utility Carts
Golf Carts
Gators
Vango Utility Vans
Toro’s
Vango Utility Trucks
DANGER
According to the Consumer Products Safety
Commission, there are approximately 15,000 golf cart
related injuries in the US each year.
Occupant ejections and roll overs are the most
common accidents.
Why are carts different from cars?
• Utility Carts have a lower
center of gravity
• Utility carts are silent.
• Cars have the right of way
• Some carts are not equipped
with break lights, turn
signals, horns, or seat belts.
• In a collision- the cart always
loses!
CLICK TO PLAY
Video can be found at: http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/05/20/what-happenswhen-an-electric-car-crashes-video/
Utility Cart Operational Guidelines
• Inspect the vehicle prior to use.
Check for: proper tire inflation, cuts or punctures on the tires, proper steering, brakes work
properly, forward and reverse gears engage, rotating warning light is operational, and all
safety equipment is in its proper place (If the vehicle needs repair, call the automotive
department to have a technician pick up and repair the vehicle…do not drive it) .
• Match speed equivalent to a well paced walk (avg 10-15
mph)
• All Texas traffic laws must be observed …it’s the law!
• Operate carts on streets or roadways whenever possible,
stay as far to the right as possible to avoid impeding traffic.
• Use proper stopping/turning signals. Hand signals are required when
operating a vehicle not equipped with electric turn signals.
• Do not exceed maximum occupancy limits. Overloading a cart with
passengers or cargo can cause an unsafe load on the cart, making it easier to
flip or harder to stop.
• Keep all hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the confines of the vehicle at
all times.
• Pedestrians have the right of way. If the vehicle is being operated on a
sidewalk, pull off the sidewalk or stop until approaching pedestrians
pass.
• When parking, place gear lever in “neutral” position, and firmly press
the brake to engage the parking break.
• Always park on pavement unless cart is specifically designed and used
for ground maintenance.
• Do not block emergency exits or routs when parking.
• Never park within 20’ of a buildings entrance or exit unless at loading
dock.
• Park in designated “Service Vehicle” parking when available.
Observe all warning signs
DO NOT
• Operate carts owned by other departments
unless approval has been granted by the
department supervisor.
• Operate carts during class change.
*Pull over and wait for pedestrians to decrease.
• Use cell phones while driving a university vehicle.
• Smoke in any university owned vehicle.
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Before driving a
University
vehicle (utility
carts included)
all employees
must be
approved to
drive by Risk
Management.
Click here for a copy of
UNT Driver Safety Rules
& Requirements (pdf)
University of North Texas Facilities Utility Cart Policy OP.020.003
Click here for a
copy of the
University Policy
Common Sense is key
“DWI Charge to follow fatal fall off of Golf Cart”
“Death By Golf Cart… Again”
“Lawyer dies after golf-cart accident”
“Motor Vehicle Homicide Charged in Golf Cart Death”
“6-year-old Lakeland girl dies after fall from golf cart”
For more information go to:
http://technology-assoc.com/articles/golf-cart-hazards.html
http://www.nationalgolfcartassociation.com/
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/videoresource/stpgolfcart.pdf
http://www.guide-to-golf-carts.com/golf-cart-safety.html
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/05/20/what-happenswhen-an-electric-car-crashes-video/