Convoy Protocol:
• Field Trip Leaders in lead vehicle. Instructor or logistics Coordinator in the last vehicle.
• Review route, intermediate stops/gathering points, final destination, and approx. arrival times before departing. Intermediate gathering points will be about 1 hour’s drive apart.
• Maintain radio contact between vehicles. DO NOT act unsafely just to maintain visual contact on the highway or in city traffic!
• Drive at posted speed limit or slower if conditions dictate.
• Do not pass any other vehicles in the convoy unless directed to do so by Leader.
• On unpaved roads: Maintain visual contact with vehicles just in front of and behind you.
• Maintain safe distance between vehicles (at the very least 2-second rule).
• If your vehicle becomes separated from the group or develops mechanical problems find a safe place to pull off the road and contact leader.
Tire Changing Protocol:
• Only field trip leaders or their designate will change tires. Competent tire changers only.
• Tire changer and assistant should wear reflective vest if passing vehicles possible.
• Park vehicle on firm level surface.
• Place traffic warning devices as necessary
• Review safe work practices for operation
• Block the wheels and set the parking brake before jacking vehicle.
• No one allowed in vehicle when on the jack
• Tire changer and assistant use appropriate personal protective equipment
• Use proper lifting techniques: use legs, not back
• Use appropriate lug wrench tool (consider use of 4-way tire tool).
• Never place body under a vehicle supported by a jack
Safety Reminders / Instructions:
- Check Tires before re-entering Highway from unpaved road.
- Do not use communications devises while driving – let the front seat passenger talk.
- Make sure all your passengers are in the vehicle.
- Lock all doors before leaving.
- Drive with headlights on.
- Be extra careful when backing, use a spotter as needed.
- Report problems to trip leader.
- Buckle Up and Drive Safely
Driving Preparation / Vehicle Inspection Checklist:
- Plan Your Route
■ Check Map
■ Review Plan
- Adjust:
■ Seat/Seat Belt
■ Steering Wheel
■ Mirrors
- Locate Controls for:
■ Lights
■ Wipers/washer
■ Heating/AC
■ Mirrors
■ Horn
■ Windows/Locks
- Note/Check Condition of:
■ Brakes
■ Steering
■ Tires
■ Lights
■ Wipers/Washers
Guidelines for Driving Field Trip Vehicles:
Please read the following guidelines that must be met before driving any Field Trip Vehicles. Your signature indicates that you have met and agree to the guidelines as listed below:
1. A Field Trip Vehicle is defined as "any vehicle that is owned, rented, leased, or otherwise provided to Field Trip Leaders for use in conducting Field Trip business."
2. An authorized driver is any individual that has been authorized to drive a Field Trip Vehicle. In order for a driver to be considered authorized, the individual should meet the following standards:
A. Possess a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle to be driven that is recognized by the country or local authority where the vehicle is to be operated.
B. Strongly recommended that the driver should have taken and passed an approved Defensive Driving Course.
3. Vehicle operator should thoroughly inspect the assigned vehicle prior to initial use and prior to first use each day thereafter for obviously unsafe conditions (lights, brakes, wind shield wipers) or damage. Operators must immediately report vehicles that are damaged or in an unsafe condition to the rental agency.
4. A member assigned a Field Trip Vehicle is responsible for ensuring that only authorized drivers are permitted to drive the vehicle and that it is operated in compliance with Field Trip safety policy and operating procedures.
5. Seat belts, both lap and shoulder, must be worn by the driver and all passengers when the vehicle is in motion.
6. An accident involving a Field Trip Vehicle, or privately owned vehicle occurring while on Field Trip business, must be reported according to Field Trip accident reporting guidelines.
7. Vehicle operators must always be familiar with and strictly observe all applicable traffic laws. All traffic citations should be reported to Lewis Conference Services International Inc. and are the financial responsibility of the driver. The driver of a Field Trip Vehicle must not exceed the maximum posted speed limit and must always drive at a speed suitable for the condition of the vehicle, road, traffic, and weather. Where vision is restricted, the driver must slow to a speed that will permit the safe negotiation of curves, hills, or intersections.
8. The use of a Field Trip Vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs that may impair the ability of the driver to operate the vehicle, is strictly prohibited.
9. If an authorized driver receives a suspension, probation, cancellation, or disqualification of his/her driver's license, he/she must inform Lewis Conference Services International Inc. immediately.
10. The transporting of hitchhikers is strictly prohibited.
11. Hazardous materials (e.g. flammables, corrosives, explosives, compressed gases, etc.) must not be transported in a Field Trip Vehicle unless they have been packaged as prescribed by applicable provincial and federal regulations. The vehicle operator must be informed before the hazardous material is loaded for transport.
12. The engines of unattended vehicles should normally be turned off. However, there are situations when the vehicle may be left running for a short period of time. When an unattended vehicle is left running, the parking brake must be set and at least one wheel must be chocked.
13. The use of cellular telephones and other electronic communication devices while driving is NOT permitted (even with a “hands-free” device), except in immediate emergency situations.
NOTES:
I have read, and agree to comply with, the Driver Safety Briefing rules as set forth above.
Start Date of Field Trip: _________________________________________
End Date of Field Trip: __________________________________________
Signature: Date: __________________
Name (printed): _______________________________________________
Signature: Date: _______________________
Name (printed): ______________________________________________
