Driver Safety
Mark Linsenbigler
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury. The National Safety Council reports that nearly 36,000 people lose their lives and over 3.5 million more are injured in crashes each year. Many of these incidents occur during the workday or during the commute to work. Crashes both on and off the job have significant consequences for employees, their families, and their coworkers.
Program Applicability
The Driver Safety Program applies to Penn State employees, students, and authorized drivers who operate University‑owned, leased, rented, or personal vehicles while conducting University business. This includes driving to conduct job duties, attend meetings, transport equipment or passengers, or travel on behalf of the University.
The program exists to reduce the risk of motor vehicle incidents, protect drivers and passengers, and promote safe driving practices while complying with University policies and applicable state regulations.
Program Requirements
The Driver Safety Program establishes requirements for safe vehicle operation, driver training, and supervisor oversight when driving for University purposes.
General Driver Requirements
- Drivers must operate vehicles in a safe and lawful manner at all times and in accordance with Penn State policies and applicable traffic laws.
- Seat belts must be used by drivers and passengers, and unsafe behaviors such as distracted or impaired driving are prohibited.
Training Requirements
- Individuals who drive for University business may be required to complete Driver Safety Training provided through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), based on job duties and frequency of driving.
- Supervisors are responsible for ensuring required driver training is completed and maintained.
Training Resource
An online driver safety training module is available to University employees. University Policy BS20 requires employees between the ages of 18 and 21 to complete this course if they are required to drive in the course of their employment. The course can be accessed via the following link:
Online Driver Safety Training Course(PSU Accessible Only)
The course will take approximately one hour to complete. Employees must print a "certificate of completion" and submit it to their immediate supervisor after passing the course. Instructions for completing a certificate can be accessed by referring to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on your Learning Resource Network (LRN) page. Supervisors are responsible for maintaining the training certificates for the length of employment or until the employee reaches the age of 21.
Responsibilities of Supervisors:
- Identify employees whose job duties include driving for University business
- Ensure drivers complete required safety training
- Promote safe driving practices and compliance with University policies
Incident Reporting
- Vehicle incidents occurring during University business must be reported in accordance with Penn State accident and incident reporting procedures, including appropriate notification to EHS when required.
Documents and Forms
Forms—the Risk Management Department at Penn State requires that a “Vehicle Accident Report” be used to record the facts of any accident involving a University vehicle, rental car, or personal vehicle if being used on University business.
Additional Resources
- BS20 - University Vehicle Operation or Use (PSU accessible only)
- SY37 - Text Messaging and Cell Phone Use When Operating Vehicles While On University Business
- SY16 - Regulations for Bicycles, Mopeds, Skateboards, Scooters, In-line skates, Roller Skates, and Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices
- National Safety Council Driver Safety Page
- OSHA Motor Vehicle Safety Page