The Safe Operation of Golf Carts, Accessibility Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles On Campus USC Upstate Department of Public Safety
Types of Utility Vehicles Golf Carts Low Speed Vehicles Accessibility Vehicles
What Type of Utility Vehicle Are You Driving? Did you know that defensive driving applies NOT ONLY to licensed vehicles such as cars and trucks, but also vehicles such as golf carts, accessibility carts and low-speed vehicles?
Carts, Cars - What s The Carts roll easier. Carts always operate near pedestrians. Carts run silently. Some carts such as accessibility carts have a poor turning radius. Other motor vehicles have the right-of-way. Difference?
Carts, Cars-What s The Difference? Center of gravity is lower than most vehicles. Speed limit is much lower-5mph on campus. In a collision the cart always loses!
Guidelines For Use Of Electric Carts Applies to all operators of service carts on the USC Upstate campus: electric or gas powered All users must have a current /valid driver s license in possession while driving a cart Drivers must be 18 years of age or older All drivers must be trained in proper operation of the cart Employees are responsible for understanding and complying with the manufacturer s operating instructions
Read All Warning Labels!
Read All Warning Labels!
Read All Warning Labels!
Carts or Low Speed Vehicles Rules of the road apply: You must obey traffic signs and signals Pedestrians have the right-of-way You must obey campus speed limits
Pre-Trip Check Conduct a visual inspection of the cart or low-speed vehicle before driving. Is there any damage? Do the brakes work? Check for correct tire pressure. Report any discrepancies to your supervisor.
Pre-Trip Check Check for obstacles or pedestrians around the vehicle. Adjust mirrors. Check lights and turn signals. Ensure all equipment is properly stored.
Safety Guidelines Obey all traffic signs. Do not exceed cart weight capacity. Sudden stops or changes in direction may result in loss of control. Keep hands and feet inside at all times when the cart is moving. Avoid vehicle tip-overs. Drive straight up or down a slope. Wear a seatbelt if the cart is equipped with a seatbelt, and always remain seated. Slow down before and during turns. Reduce speed, use extra care in inclement weather.
Whatever You Drive Conduct a pre-trip check. Review how the vehicle operates before you turn on the ignition! Know your vehicle. Remember, USC Upstate is a tobacco free campus. No smoking while driving carts! If something is broken, don t use it until it s fixed. If you are not familiar with where you are going, check a campus map before you leave. Immediately report accidents to your supervisor and University Police.
When in doubt, ask! About load capacity About operating procedures About maintenance records
Should you be driving? Are you tired, upset, fatigued or ill? Are you taking prescription or over-the-counter medication that could impair your driving skills? Are you emotionally upset? NOTE: No one is allowed to drive a USC Upstate vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hand holds are provided for passenger balance and safety Rear Passengers Front Passengers
Pedestrians have the right of way. Avoid sidewalks whenever possible. Drive slowly. Avoid driving during class change times, if possible. Avoid driving on the grass, unless necessary. Pedestrians
Leaving The Vehicle Unattended Do not exit the vehicle before is has come to a complete stop. Engage the brake. Turn off the motor. Remove the key from the ignition.
Security
Nighttime Driving If you are driving at night does the cart have: - working headlights? - brake lights? - turn signals? Remember to drive cautiously-pedestrians may not see you coming! Check all vehicle lights at night before driving CAUTION: Do not drive carts during hours of darkness if the cart is not equipped with headlights!
Review Know the vehicle you are driving. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not horse around with the vehicle. Drive slowly. Cede the right-of-way to pedestrians. Carts should be inspected and serviced at least annually.
After all. The whole idea is to get the job done without endangering yourself or others!
Accessibility Cart Wheelchair Ramp Operation Hh Release the retaining clamps on either side of the ramp. Then release the locking handle on the right side of the ramp while holding the support handle on the lower portion of the ramp Slowly lower and extend the ramp until it is fully extended and resting completely on the ground (the entire leading edge should be in contact with the ground without any voids).
Accessibility Cart Patient Loading Instructions Slowly push the wheelchair up the ramp keeping the weight centered over the rear wheels of the wheelchair Caution should be exercised while pushing the wheelchair as the cart roof is low and may cause the attendant to strike their head while loading the patient.
Accessibility Cart Wheelchair Tie Down Procedure After centering the wheelchair and passenger in the loading area, lock the wheelchair wheels using the attached locks. From each of the 4 corners of the passenger loading area release the tie down straps by lifting up on the red lever while pulling the strap towards the chair.
Accessibility Cart Wheelchair Tie Down Procedure Attach the S hook on the tie down strap to the frame or other solid portion of the wheelchair. Repeat this procedure with the remaining 3 tie down straps. Turn the crank on the right side of the tie down to take up the slack and secure the wheelchair (all 4 tie downs should be taut with the wheelchair located in the center of the passenger area). Make sure the wheelchair is secure by pushing and pulling the wheelchair to check for excessive movement.
Securing The Wheelchair Ramp Raise the ramp until it latches in place. Resecure the retaining clamps on the bottom of the ramp. To remove the passenger and wheelchair, simply reverse the order of the above listed instructions.
Review Accessibility carts have a 25 turning radius. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of room for your turn. The accessibility cart is 14 long, much longer than standard carts. Use caution when backing. Know the vehicle you are driving. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not horse around with the vehicle. Drive slowly. Cede the right-of-way to pedestrians.
You may now finish this safety training tutorial by completing the Assessment Quiz.