Drivers are personally responsible for the safe driving and operation of Government motor vehicles and for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and all accident reporting requirements.
Requirements for Authorized Drivers
Drivers must take a one time online training, FAC0021 Government Vehicle Driver Briefing to be authorized to drive a government vehicle. By signing out a vehicle to drive you are certifying that you have taken this training and are authorized to drive the vehicle.
Drivers must possess a valid state, District of Columbia, or commonwealth operator’s license or permit for the type of vehicle to be operated and Lab badge. By using a Government vehicle, including Low Speed Electric Vehicles (GEMs/Club Cars), drivers are certifying that they have authorization to drive the vehicle, will use the vehicle for official use only, will secure the vehicle when not in use, and will report any accidents/damage promptly.
G.O.A.L - Get Out And Look
The Lab has experienced a concerning trend of preventable accidents with fleet vehicles, particularly during parking maneuvers. These incidents typically involve drivers backing into objects like bollards, rocks, or walls that could have been avoided with proper visual inspection.
Before getting into their parked vehicle, drivers should physically walk around it and visually inspect their surroundings for potential hazards. In addition, drivers should use spotters when there is more than one person in the vehicle, as it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent accidents and incidents.
Drivers should use GOAL:
- Before backing up
- When navigating tight spaces
- When unsure about clearance
- Any time you’re moving a parked vehicle
Learn how to use GOAL here
Vehicle Specific Safety Information
There are a variety of vehicles in use at the Lab. Make yourself familiar with the operation of a vehicle before using it. Electric vehicle usage has the most variability.
For more information on safe operation of your electric vehicle type, click on the vehicle:
Ford Focus (Electric) Chrysler Pacifica (Plug-In Hybrid)
GEM/Club Car Hyundai Ioniq (Plug-In Hybrid)
REMEMBER:
- On-site Lab speed limit is 15 mph
- Drivers must follow all driving and government vehicle-use laws and regulations
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use is not allowed in government vehicles
- Do not text, or use mobile phone/laptops/tablets, while driving
- Get Out And Look before moving your vehicle
For any issues with your vehicle, alert the vehicle custodian and/or Fleet@lbl.gov x5475.
For more information on driver safety, visit trafficsafety.lbl.gov.
