University Policies

Campus Golf & Utility Cart Policy

Established: 2022

Purpose: The purpose is to establish standards for the safe use and operations of a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle on the Western Illinois University premises.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees; faculty, staff, and student employees driving, or supervising the operation of golf/utility carts. For the purpose of this policy, a golf cart/utility vehicle is defined as any non-registered road vehicle powered by a gas or electric battery powered motor that is used primarily on non-regulated roadways across campus. This policy does not pertain to motorized vehicles registered for road use or golf carts used at the Western Illinois University Golf Course.

Background:

Departments at Western Illinois University may provide Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles to employees so job related duties can be fulfilled. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles are used to transport equipment and people, make deliveries, and provide campus maintenance activities. This policy establishes consistent procedures regarding the following:

  • Vehicle Operating Procedures
  • Supervisors Responsibilities
  • Department and Driver Responsibilities
  • Operator Requirements
  • Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Condition and Standard Safety Features
  • Accident Reporting

Compliance with these standards will ensure the safe operation of these vehicles for the campus community; including but not limited to Golf Cart/Utility vehicle drivers, vehicle operators, cyclists and pedestrians.

Policy:

Golf Cart/Utility vehicles owned by Western Illinois University may only be used for official university business by university employees, student employees, and university approved volunteers associated with a university department. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles may not be used for personal business. If operated on a city street, knowledge of and compliance with applicable city laws, rules, regulations and policies regarding use are the responsibility of the driver; noncompliance may result in citation and/or suspension of user privileges.

Vehicle Operating Standards

  1. In order to operate a Golf Cart/Utility vehicle, employees must be trained and complete a University acknowledgement sheet.
  2. Golf Cart/Utility operators are subject to the rules of the road, including stopping, turning, and safe operation. Golf Cart/Utility vehicle operators observed in violation of these rules can be cited and be responsible for any costs associated with citation.
  3. Drivers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, employed by Western Illinois University, and have a valid state driver’s license. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles will be operated only within the confines of University property or in special circumstances when university activities occur off-campus (i.e. Homecoming Parade). Only individuals who have valid state driver's licenses will be permitted to drive a golf cart/utility vehicle off-campus (when applicable) or on public roadways through campus. Individuals who do not have a valid state driver’s license are still permitted to operate a golf cart/utility cart with the permission of the department head, completion of training/signed acknowledgement sheet, and restricted to confines of University property only (no public roadways with the exception of crossing).
  4. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles are to be operated at reasonable speeds based on terrain, weather conditions, existing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, or as environment safety concerns demand which may affect the ability to operate the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle safely. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles must be operated in such a manner that does not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on sidewalks, ramps, or roadways. Pedestrians will be given the right-of-way at all times.
  5. Golf Cart/Utility vehicle operators must stop at all intersections or crossings that occur at public roadways and then proceed with caution.
  6. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles outfitted with brake and turning lights/signals must be used when operating. If the vehicle signals fail or is not equipped turn signals, the driver must use appropriate hand signals when turning: When turning left, extend your arm straight outwards. When turning right, bend your arm at the elbow with your hand pointing upward. To indicate a stop, bend your arm at the elbow with your hand and forearm pointing toward the ground, and your palm open and facing backward.
  7. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles are to be driven on a concrete surface unless a non-improved surface is the only available way to gain access to the specific area of destination or where work is being performed. If the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle must be driven on a landscaped area in order to allow a pedestrian(s) the proper right of way, it should be brought to a full stop, then immediately returned to the designated driving surface as soon as the area is clear.
  8. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles cannot be parked in the following locations:
    • In fire lanes
    • In metered parking spaces
    • In reserved parking spaces
    • Within any main entrance/exit of any building in any manner that would impede the normal flow of pedestrian traffic
    • On sidewalks or ramps that would impede handicap accessibility
  9. In certain areas of campus, designated golf cart/utility vehicle parking may be prescribed, in which case must be utilized when parking.
  10. Department retaining ownership of the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle shall be responsible for proper maintenance and full functionality of each unit.

Supervisor Responsibilities

  1. Supervisors will assure that each employee in their department, who operates a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle, is properly advised of this policy.
  2. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all employees complete in golf/utility cart training and have a signed copy of the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle acknowledgement form from each employee in their department who operates a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle, attesting to the employee’s knowledge and understanding of, and agreement to abide by, the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle policy. This signed acknowledgement sheet must be completed and maintained by the supervisor and a copy provided to the WIU Office of Risk Management.
  3. Supervisors will assure that if an accident or incident occurs and once other priority notifications have been completed, to notify the WIU Office of Risk Management immediately through completion of a campus incident form.

Operator Requirements

  1. No one under the age of eighteen (18) years of age may operate a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle. Drivers must possess a valid state driver’s license. Only individuals who have valid state driver's licenses will be permitted to drive a golf cart/utility vehicle off-campus or on public roadways through campus. Individuals who do not have a valid state driver’s license are still permitted to operate a golf cart/utility cart with the permission of the department head, completion of training/signed acknowledgement sheet, and restricted to confines of University property only (no public roadways with the exception of crossing).
  2. Golf Cart/Utility vehicle operators are responsible for the security of ignition keys during the time a Golf Cart/Utility vehicle is assigned to them. Any time a Golf Cart/Utility vehicle is unattended, the ignition will be turned off, the parking brake will be engaged, and the key will be removed from the ignition and kept in the possession of the authorized operator.
  3. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators are not permitted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while wearing devices that impede hearing, e.g., stereo headsets, earplugs, etc.
  4. Cell phone usage while driving a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is strictly prohibited unless responding to an emergency (use caution and speaker phone if feasible).
  5. All passengers must be in seats designed for such use. No passengers are allowed to be transported in the beds, back (unless equipped with seats) or on the sides of Golf Carts/Utility Vehicle with the exception of the transport of an injured person.

Acquisition of Golf Cart/ Utility Vehicle Condition and Standard Safety Features

  1. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles acquired after Jan. 1, 2023 by University departments are required have the following safety features installed:
    • Working headlights, turn signals, and taillights
    • Horn
    • Rearview Mirror
    • Side Mirrors
    • A registered cart number (provided by the WIU Office of Risk Management)
  2. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles that do not have any lights will only be operated during the daylight hours unless special approval has been approved from the Office of Risk Management.
  3. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles will not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed, or safety of the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle.
  4. Be registered with the Office of Risk Management by sending a copy of the invoice upon receipt of the vehicle. The Office of Risk Management will then issue a designated number to be displayed on the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle to properly identify it.

Golf Cart/ Utility Vehicle Rentals

For special events and activities hosted by the University, there are times when golf carts/utility vehicles are rented from the University Golf Course or from an off-campus vendor. In these situations, it is anticipated that the rented vehicles may not have the required features as noted above. In these situations, drivers are expected to follow all operating procedures. Golf Cart/Utility vehicles that do not have any lights will only be operated during the daylight hours unless special approval has been approved from the Office of Risk Management.

Accident Reporting

  1. All accidents involving a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle and property damage or personal injury should first be reported to the WIU Office of Public Safety (OPS). Drivers should report an accident immediately to the supervisor of the department to which the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is assigned, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury occurred.
  2. Supervisors have the responsibility to ensure that an incident report is filed with OPS the WIU Office of Risk Management involving any golf cart/utility vehicle, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury occurred.
  3. The WIU Office of Public Safety or Risk Management Office will investigate accidents and incidents.
  4. Upon completion of the investigation, depending on the severity, the driver may lose privileges to operate Golf Cart/Utility vehicles on behalf of the institution.

Safety Checklist

Before operating the cart/utility vehicle the operator will check the following items:

  1. Proper tire condition and inflation
  2. Proper operation of brakes.
  3. Turn signals and brake lights (if installed) are functioning properly.
  4. Indication of battery fluid leaks such as wet spots under the unit; for gas operated carts, verify that the correct amount of fluids are in the cart and that there are no leaks.
  5. Mirrors are intact.
  6. If the cart is in need of repair or maintenance, it should not be driven.
  7. Each Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operator is responsible for providing timely notification of safety and maintenance concerns to the supervisor of the department to which the Golf Cart/Utility vehicle is assigned.

Battery Recharge

When recharging the batteries, the following safety rules shall be observed:

  1. Only an approved battery charger will be used to recharge the batteries (designed to shut off automatically when the batteries are fully charged).
  2. Do not recharge near an open flame or source of ignition.
  3. Pour baking soda on all spilled battery acid before cleaning up the spill. You should wash skin thoroughly with cold water if it comes in contact with battery acid.
  4. Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the cart.

Refueling

  1. Gasoline shall not be stored inside any campus facility. Fueling must occur at the University Garage.
  2. Do not pour gasoline near an open flame or source of ignition.