Van Pool Policy

This policy has been put into place since February, 2020. This policy brings all University vans together under one structured and supervised division through the Department of Transportation. 

Prior to reserving any of the University vans, please view the Motor Vehicle Policy, which will provide information on certified drivers, listing of approved certified drivers and other necessary information to educate a driver.

25Live Van Request Instructions 

Using the same system RWU utilizes to request room space; campus members will be able to request a van with ease through a faculty/ staff member.

Vehicle and Key Pickup Instructions

A detailed step-by-step guide to introduce and explain the new process, from beginning to end, of reserving the campus vans.


Passenger Van Safety

All persons driving a 9-12 passenger van for Roger Williams University should be familiar with the handling characteristics of the vans and familiar with the following safety tips:

In addition to the Roger Williams University Motor Vehicle Driver Requirements, it is important that vans ONLY be operated by authorized drivers. They should understand and be familiar with the handling characteristics of the vans, especially when fully loaded.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE

  • Always maintain a safety cushion around the vehicle as you are traveling and drive in the right-hand lane whenever possible
  • When driving conditions are good maintain 4 seconds behind other traffic
  • When driving conditions are bad, maintain at least 6 seconds behind other traffic
  • Remember when entering a rotary you have less visibility and less maneuver ability

MIRRORS

  • Adjust mirrors so that you can barely see the edge of the van in the mirror
  • When changing lanes, always check for blind spots by leaning forward in your seat to change your sight angle and then by turning your head
  • Scan mirrors every 3-5 seconds
  • The largest blind spot is directly behind the vehicle
  • Avoid backing whenever possible (e.g. in parking lots always try to use a “pull through”)

MINIMIZING ROLL OVERS

  • Slow down and drive cautiously
  • Shoulders, ditches and embankments, as well as on and off ramps, create the potential for vehicle roll over
  • Reduce your speed BELOW the speed limit posted for all turns and poor road conditions
  • Avoid panic steering and hard braking
  • Do not load items on top of the vehicle or tow a trailer
  • Do not overload the vehicle with passengers or equipment
  • Passengers should be distributed evenly from side to side for balance and sit towards the front of the vehicle

CROSSWINDS

  • Be mindful of crosswinds created by open fields, overpasses and bridges as well as exiting tunnels, larger vehicles

BACKING UP

  • Avoid backing into traffic
  • Get out and check the area behind the van before backing
  • Turn on four-way flashers and back SLOWLY
  • Have a spotter assist you to back ONLY after they understand what is expected of them
  • Be aware of van passengers walking in front of the vehicle as they board or exit the vehicle