Inclement Weather Safety Notice - Fleet Vehicles

Full Description

Dear William & Mary Community,
Please review the below safety information regarding use of fleet vehicles during hazardous weather.

Adverse winter weather creates dangerous travel conditions, including reduced visibility and icy surfaces. All members of the campus community are expected to use good judgment, limit travel when possible, and follow official safety guidance.

Travel During Hazardous Weather

Golf carts must not be operated during snow or icy conditions.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises drivers to:

Avoid driving during storms whenever possible
Adjust schedules and wait for conditions to improve
Monitor road conditions using 511 Virginia and local alerts

Vehicle and Golf Cart Use After a Storm

As conditions improve, drivers must continue to exercise caution, as hazardous conditions may remain:

Clear the vehicle of any accumulated snow and ice, with special attention to windows, mirrors, and windshield wipers to maintain visibility while driving
Drive at reduced speeds
Accelerate slowly, reducing driving speeds, and brake lightly and early to avoid losing traction where patches of ice may remain
Turn on headlights for visibility
Inspect tires and clear all snow and ice to maintain visibility
Ensure batteries are fully charged and headlights are on
Avoid hills and inclines when possible and remain on plowed or treated routes
If a vehicle begins to slide, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the slide
If conditions become unsafe, safely pull over and discontinue travel

Policy and Regulatory Requirements

FMCSA §392.14 requires drivers to reduce speed in hazardous weather and discontinue operation when conditions become unsafe.
The William & Mary Vehicle Use Policy requires extreme care when operating state owned vehicles during adverse weather; damage resulting from negligent operation may be charged to the using agency.

Safety is the priority. Travel should be postponed or discontinued whenever conditions pose a risk.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our campus community safe.

Sincerely,
Parking & Transportation - Fleet Management