All members of the university who are authorized to drive university
vehicles or otherwise operate a vehicle to conduct university business
must operate vehicles in strict accordance with all Washington State
and Pierce County laws. No work or errand is of sufficient importance to violate safe driving practices.
Safe vehicle operation is the responsibility of all members of the PLU
community while participating in all PLU business or activities.
1.1 Hazards
Traffic-related motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of
work-related injury death. According to the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health, three workers die every day in vehicle
crashes.
Vehicle accidents can happen at any time. In general, however,
the PLU community experiences the most accidents after events that are
physically tiring, during long trips, during bad weather, or in the
late afternoon and evening hours. Parking accidents are also
common.
1.2 Regulation
Title RCW 46 Motor Vehicles governs safe vehicle use in Washington
State. WAC 296-24-233 in the Washington State General Safety
& Health Standards covers operation of motor vehicle trucks and
trailers. Title 10 Vehicles and Traffic of the Pierce County Code
further refine and regulate vehicle use and traffic within the county.
