All Drivers of owned, leased or rented vehicles must be credentialed.

Five College Risk Management purchases a commercial auto liability insurance policy for all drivers of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith and Five Colleges, Inc. [collectively referred to hereafter as Five College] owned, leased or rented vehicles for College business. The credentialing policy also pertains to all drivers of motorized equipment and/or unregistered equipment owned by the College. UMass is not included in this program. In addition, drivers using personal vehicles in the performance of job related tasks may be covered for their liability "excess" of their own insurance. (There is no Five College coverage available for physical damage to personal vehicles.) Our insurer has strict underwriting regulations and requires each of the Colleges to "credential" all drivers in order to receive the benefits of the insurance policy.

Only authorized credentialed drivers may operate your school's owned vehicles or rent vehicles under the auspices of the College. Drivers who are not credentialed may not be covered by College insurance if they use their personal vehicle for employment related tasks. The insurance company and the College reserve the right to decline to authorize any driver on the basis of an individual's traffic violation history or accident history. Driver minimum requirements are:

1. Drivers must have a US license
   
2. Drivers must be at least 18 years old
   
3. Students must have at least one year's driving experience (individual Colleges may require more experience)
   
4. Drivers must be a student or employee of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke or Smith College or an employee of Five Colleges, Inc.
   
5. Drivers must be Credentialed (see below).
   
6. Drivers may not have had:
   
   1. More than 2 accidents in past 3 years*
      
   2. Any Type A violations in past 3 years
      
   3. Any combination of accidents and Type B violations > 2 in past 3 years

The Colleges reserve the right to (1) remove or deny driving privileges from any student or employee for accidents or violations involving College owned or rented vehicles, or (2) to use guidelines that are stricter than the insurance company's in deciding to authorize drivers.

*Definitions

Type A Violations

• DUI / drugs or alcohol
  
• Negligent homicide
  
• Use of auto in commission of a felony
  
• Aggravated assault w/vehicle
  
• Operating w/o license
  
• Reckless driving
  
• Speed contest
  
• Hit & Run
  
• Leaving the scene
  
• School bus stopping flag violations (or similar)
  

Type B Violations = All moving violations not Type A

Driver Safety

The colleges have adopted a basic set of safety rules which all drivers must agree to as part of the credentialing process. Drivers are expected to drive safely at all times. Other rules listed on the certification form include administrative rules.

Driving a College vehicle, rented vehicles, my vehicle or other vehicles on behalf of the College is a privilege, not a right. The safety of passengers, pedestrians and others is every driver's highest priority. The following safety rules are included on the certification form.

Drivers will:

1. Have a valid driver's license.
   
2. Use College vehicles for authorized business only.
   
3. Not permit any unauthorized person to drive the vehicle. Unauthorized drivers may be personally liable for any accident or loss.
   
4. Use seat belts or other available occupant restraints and require all occupants to use seat belts or occupant restraints, in accordance with state laws and not operate the vehicle unless all occupants are wearing the appropriate restraints. I will not permit total occupancy to exceed the number of seat belts.
   
5. Operate the College vehicle in accordance with College regulations, as may be provided to the driver in writing or verbally, and know and observe all applicable traffic laws, ordinances and regulations.
   
6. Use safe driving principles, practices and techniques at all times.
   
7. Not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not drive if using a medication that impairs judgment, reflexes or alertness.
   
8. Not transport unauthorized passengers such as hitchhikers. Not transport any alcohol (unless specifically permitted, e.g. dining or conference services), drugs, or other contraband in any College vehicle.
   
9. Turn the vehicle off, remove the keys, and lock the vehicle when it is left unattended.
   
10. Not drive the vehicle at speeds that are inappropriate for road conditions.
    
11. Not use a cell phone when the vehicle is moving. If the driver must make or take a call, the vehicle must be safely stopped and secured, before using a cell phone.
    
12. Not drive the vehicle "off road" unless it is appropriate for that use.
    
13. Before leaving the parking area or garage, particularly with a rental vehicle or one that you do not ordinarily drive, be satisfied that the following parts and components are in good working order:
    
    
    • Service Brakes
      
    • Parking Brakes
      
    • Steering Mechanism
      
    • Lights/Reflector Devices
      
    • Tires/Wheels
      
    • Horn
      
    • Windshield Wipers/Washers
      
    • Rear-Vision Mirrors
      
    • Coupling Devices (if applicable)