Vehicle Safety

Accidents are caused by unsafe actions of the driver, unsafe vehicle conditions, unsafe environmental conditions, or a combination of the three.

Vehicle accidents must always be investigated by the proper authorities. In most cases, the Highway Patrol should be the primary investigating authority. However, local sheriff’s or police departments may be notified depending on the location of the accident.

All accidents involving leased or State Fleet vehicles, regardless of damage amount, must be reported within 24 hours to the UND Transportation Department. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for completing the Risk Management Fund Motor Vehicle Accident Report, SF # 51301. Also, a UND Incident Report Form and a UND Incident Investigation Form (completed by the supervisor) must be submitted to the UND Transportation Dept. All UND forms can be retrieved from this web site: www.transportation.und.edu. The three forms must be dropped of at 3925 Campus Road within 24 hours or faxed to 701.777.4955. UND Transportation will file the claim on-line with the Risk Management Division.

Read the instructions on the “Risk Management Fund Motor Vehicle Accident Report” before completing. All spaces must be filled out. If one space does not pertain to the accident, write N/A in the appropriate space. Parked vehicles involved in an accident need only indicate “parked” in the “DRIVER” space. All other information must be completed.

Departments that lease vehicles must additionally notify the dealer within 24 hours of an accident. This is done so that a timely estimate of the damages can be made.

To comply with state requirements, the University has an Accident Review Committee and all accidents involving leased and State Fleet vehicles are reviewed by this committee. They determine if the accident was preventable or non preventable, and make recommendations to the driver accordingly. A report listing name of driver, accident date, and the Accident Review Committee’s recommendations is submitted to the State Accident Review Board. The Board will notify the University committee if they approve of their recommendations. If approved, a letter is sent to the driver and supervisor stating what the recommendations are.

Questions regarding accidents and any other motor vehicle issues should be directed to UND Transportation, 701.777.4122.

Defensive driving saves lives, time, and money in spite of the conditions and the actions of others. Collisions may be prevented by doing everything reasonable to avoid them. All State Fleet vehicle operators (those who drive monthly, or otherwise designated by State Fleet requirements) are required to complete the four-hour National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course at least every four years. Employees who wish, however, can seek permission from their supervisor to take it as frequently as every two years.

Accidents and traffic violations may warrant increased training per ND State Fleet requirements. 

To register for the free Defensive Driving Course (taken online), please contact Tearnie Hull at tearnie.braaten@und.edu, 
Please provide your legal name, department, emplid, and contact information in the email.

When fueling State vehicles, be sure to follow these guidelines:

1. Shut off vehicle before fueling.
2. Do not smoke while fueling vehicle.
3. Do not leave pump unattended.

In the event of a small fuel/oil spill (5 gallons or less) at UND Transportation, use floor dry or the spill clean-up supplies located in the drum labeled "Spill Kit" to absorb the liquid.

For larger spills, contact the Office of Safety at 701.777.3341 (day) or 701.777.3491 (night).

When using heavy equipment, there are some basic guidelines that need to be followed to ensure safety:

• Operators of heavy equipment must have appropriate training and/or licenses before operating.
• Know how to properly operate the equipment you are using. If you do not have instructions, contact the manufacturer.
• Know the proper use and limitations of the machinery you are operating.
• Match machinery with equipment of same power and speed levels to prevent machine failure and possible injury.
• Match the equipment used to the task at hand.
• Notify your supervisor when you are sick, fatigued, or taking medication that may affect your ability to safely operate machinery.

Utilize safety features and heed the manufacturer's warnings:

• Safety features such as kill switches, guards, shields, reverse alarms, roll bars, or control bars must not be modified or removed.
• Utilize runners and chain guards on mowers.
• Keep power transmission shafts covered.
• Shield power takeoff shafts properly.
• Disengage and turn power supply off to all power takeoffs, blades, cutter-bars, crimper rolls, or other moving parts before handling equipment.
• Do not use hands to clear jammed equipment.
• Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.
• Inspect controls and parts for loose nuts and bolts before each use.
• Avoid working alone. Use the "buddy system". Your buddy will be able to get help immediately in case of an accident.
• NEVER allow children to operate equipment, ride double, or play near operating equipment.
• Remove or secure loose or baggy clothing and long hair. It can be dragged into machinery.
• Never get on or off moving equipment.

Be aware of area and terrain:

• Stumps, rocks, and hidden debris can cause overturns.
• Low tree limbs can knock an operator off equipment.
• Inspect banks and slopes for stability.
• On steep slopes, plan path of travel downhill.
• Wet or icy surfaces reduce traction.
• Never take shortcuts.

Ensure the following before leaving equipment unattended:

• All elevated work surfaces such as buckets and lifts are lowered.
• All moving parts are disengaged and their motion has stopped.
• Transmission is in appropriate parking position.
• Engine is off, or vehicle is secure.
• Equipment is secure against movement.

Do not attempt to lubricate or adjust a running engine.

Turn the engine off before refueling.

Check the work area for underground utilities and overhead power lines prior to beginning work.

Refer to the product documentation that accompanied your equipment for more information and specific instructions. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Safety at 701.777.3341.

The University of North Dakota strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors. In an effort to protect both persons and UND property, this policy provides safe operating rules for users of skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, or other non-motorized vehicles.

Operating in Pedestrian Area

When operating in pedestrian areas, always be aware of your immediate surroundings and operate at speeds that are reasonable under the existing conditions. Maintain control of your vehicle(s) at all times. Reckless operation with the potential for endangering either persons or property is not permitted.

Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and when it is necessary to pass them in either direction, 6 feet of separation should be maintained to prevent collisions. If you are unable to maintain 6 feet without leaving the walkway, slow to a speed just above the average walking pace while passing.

Note: A pedestrian area is any walkway, sidewalk, crosswalk, plaza court yard, patio, play court, parking facility, loading zone, or any other University facility that is intended primarily or partially for use by pedestrians.

Violations of this policy by a guest of the University may result in a demand to the violator by UND Police or an appropriate UND official to leave University property. Violation by an employee or student of the University may result in disciplinary action.

Operating on Public Streets

If you operate on public streets, please do so in accordance with all North Dakota and City of Grand Forks traffic laws. Road safety and efficient movement occur when all road users follow the same traffic laws.

Prohibited Areas for Use and Storage

UND prohibits the use of non-motorized vehicles inside University buildings, or on any pedestrian ramps, loading docks and rails. Exemption: This does not apply to transportation for persons with disabilities (e.g. wheelchairs)

Additional areas of campus may be signed in such a way as to prohibit the use of any non-motorized vehicle in that particular area. Always be sure to adhere to such signs.

Never park or store any non-motorized vehicle in such a manner as to block an entrance or exit to a building. Additionally, never park, store, or leave non-motorized vehicles standing in stairwells, hallways, or any other locations that violate federal, state, or local fire and safety regulations. UND prohibits the storage of bicycles and other personal property in University buildings.

Except for University apartments, bicycles are not allowed in University buildings, including Residence Halls. The use, possession, or storage of Hoverboards, Swagways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers and/or similar devices are prohibited in all residence halls and university apartments.

Use of in-line skates and shoes with rollers, or any sort of wheel transportation, bikes, skateboards, unicycles, etc., with the exception of wheel transportation for medical purposes, in residence halls, tunnels, and/or building areas, except for entries, is prohibited.

Non-motorized Vehicles cannot be used or stored in such a manner that could cause damage to University property. For example, securing bikes to signs, trees or items other than bike storage racks.

Non-motorized Vehicles stored in a manner non-compliant with this procedure are subject to impound by the University Police.

Responsibility of Operators

At the University of North Dakota, never use a non-motorized vehicle in a manner which presents a risk of injury or damage to University property.

During winter travel, it is essential to have a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. A winter weather survival kit should include, at least, the following items:

• high energy food;
• boots;
• blanket;
• heat source (candle, etc.);
• colored cloth or flare, etc.

When using a State Vehicle during winter weather, a survival kit may be requested from the Transportation Department. In addition to a winter weather kit, cellular phones are highly recommended during winter travel.

If you are stranded in severe winter weather, always stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

Winter Driving Conditions: For people coming to UND from the immediate region, the periodic challenges of the North Dakota winter season will come as no surprise. For people new to the region, a few brief comments might be helpful.

City and campus streets are plowed and sanded as required. Once one becomes accustomed to driving on streets periodically compacted with snow or ice, travel within the city is normally uneventful. In the winter months good drivers slow down, allow more time to reach destinations, and leave more space between themselves and the vehicle they are following.

Temperatures may reach the -20 to -40 degrees F range in midwinter. Vehicles should be winterized so they will start properly under these potentially extreme conditions. Gas tanks should be kept as full as possible, antifreeze checked before the cold weather arrives, batteries should be maintained or replaced as needed, and a shovel kept in the trunk. There are a number of reliable service centers in the city that can be contacted to have these services performed. Note: campus residents may be required to move their vehicles for snow removal.

A special note regarding long distance automobile travel during the winter months:

• Check weather reports before leaving.
• Limit driving to daylight hours and carry a car safety kit that includes blankets, matches, candles, high energy dry foods, a flashlight and spare batteries.
• Check road conditions from the State Highway Department.
• Do not travel if blizzard conditions are expected.