Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need approval to drive a Motor Pool vehicle?
Can you recommend some helpful web sites?
Where can I park a Motor Pool vehicle?
Is it possible to arrange for a gasoline credit card?
Who is responsible for traffic and parking tickets?
What are some do's & don'ts when operating a Motor Pool vehicle?
I've just seen a bad collision. What can I do to help?
Should I always stop for a collision?
How can I help myself if I'm in a wreck?

A: Faculty and Staff: University vehicles may be driven by any University faculty or staff, 18 years and older, who hold a valid license in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and authorized to drive by the department head. The employee driver must also have a driving record free of any two moving violations in the past twelve (12) months, or one moving violation and one accident, or two accidents, or any single alcohol related stop.

Students: Only those University students who have been approved by the Office of Risk Management are allowed to drive University vehicles or rented vehicles for University activities. The student must successfully complete the University's [Defensive Driving Course] and certify that his/her driving record is free of any two moving violations in the past twelve (12) months, or one moving violation and one accident, or two accidents, or any single alcohol related stop. Contact the Office of Risk Management for more information.

back to top

Q: Can you recommend some helpful Web sites?

A:

• State of Illinois Rules of the Road
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Illinois Secretary of State
• State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
• Car Talk
• Prestone Zone

back to top

Q: Where can I park a Motor Pool vehicle?

A: Motor Pool vehicles have parking privileges in all University parking lots on the Evanston campus, except in:

• Fire lanes
• Posted handicap spaces
• Assigned parking spaces
• Metered spaces without "feeding the meters"

Some Motor Pool vehicles may be supplied with rear view mirror parking hang tags. These hang tags are the equivalent of a University "F" lot parking sticker. The hang tags must be returned to the Motor Pool office at the time of vehicle return. The loss of a hangtag requires the filing of a theft report with University Police and renters will be charged $318 for the replacement of the hangtag.

back to top

Q: Is it possible to arrange for a gasoline credit card?

A: Departments may request a gasoline-only company credit card. Contact Jeff Levin, Travel Services Manager, at 847-491-5993 more information.

back to top

Q: Who is responsible for traffic and parking tickets?

A: Individuals are responsible for all traffic and parking tickets. If the individual has left the University, the renting department will be liable for the cost of the ticket and additional processing fees.

back to top

Q: What are some dos and don'ts when operating a Motor Pool vehicle?

A:

Dos:

• Seat Belts must be worn while the vehicle is in operation. Mandatory seat belt law in the State of Illinois requires driver and passengers to wear their seat belts.

Don'ts:

• No smoking. The University maintains a no smoking policy in any University vehicle. Drivers and departments in violation of the no smoking policy will be assessed interior cleaning charges.
• Auxiliary Equipment/Modification is not permitted. Motor Pool vehicle renters may not add any auxiliary equipment to, or remove any supplied equipment from, the vehicles without prior written consent. Some examples of prohibited equipment are roof racks or any type of towing equipment. Any approved vehicle additions remain the responsibility of the installing departments.
• Stickers or logos not supplied by the Motor Pool may not be affixed to vehicles without the written consent from Motor Pool supervisor.
• Seats may not be removed by vehicle renters under any circumstances.
• Student drivers are restricted to an operating radius of 150 miles during the week. On the weekends, the operating radius is extended to 300 miles with an overnight stay. Student drivers must not drive more than four hours in a day and no more than two consecutive hours. All trips over two hours require at least two approved drivers.
• Bicycles may not be carried in any Motor Pool passenger vehicle, such as sedans or minivans. Any passenger vehicle rental found to be carrying bicycles will be subject to a minimum $40.00 clean up fee.

back to top

Q: I've just seen a bad collision. What can I do to help?

A: First and foremost, don't make things worse. Pass well beyond the wreck before signaling and pulling off of the road, out of harm's way. This keeps you from blocking the view of the collision to oncoming traffic, and it gives emergency crews room to work. Turn on your emergency flashers and raise your hood to call attention to yourself. Then, carefully approach the wreck, avoiding dangerous situations like wires, fires, or hazardous materials.

Next, turn off the ignitions of all vehicles involved in the wreck to reduce the risk of fire. This simple step could keep a bad collision from becoming much worse. Remember, check for spilled gasoline or downed power lines before getting too close. And, don't move an injured driver to get to his keys. Now call for help if possible. Be sure to stay on the line until the emergency dispatcher hangs up.

If you're needed to administer first aid, assign the call to someone else and be specific: "You in the red jacket - call 9-1-1!"

Check for injuries. Are victims awake and responsive? If so, encourage them not to move. If they don't respond, verify that they are breathing. Then attend to those with severe bleeding (wear latex gloves if possible). And remember: NEVER move victims UNLESS there is an immediate, life-threatening danger such as fire, leaking fuel, or rising water.

back to top

Q: Should I always stop for a collision?

A: Whatever the situation, your intervention might help save a life. Wouldn't you want to be helped if you were the one trapped or injured? Also, if you were involved in the collision, you must stop. All states impose severe penalties on drivers who don't stop in such cases. Remember, you can be "involved" in a collision without actually hitting anything. If you contribute to a crash in any way, you're obligated to stop.

If the fear of making a mistake keeps you from stopping, be aware that most states have "Good Samaritan" laws to protect individuals from liability if they stop, and in good faith administer first aid. The scope of protection varies, so check your state's laws.

back to top

Q: How can I help myself if I'm in a wreck?

A: If it's a minor collision with no injuries, you can best help yourself by staying calm and moving out of traffic. The key here is safety first, insurance later. Keep a pad and pencil handy, and use them, along with insurance forms, to exchange information once you've cleared the scene.

If you're in a major collision, you'll have to be the judge of whether or not you're injured and how quickly traffic is moving around you. Often, your best bet is to wait for help in a safe place - which just might be your car. If you're uninjured and traffic permits, you may want to begin first aid on those around you. But don't put yourself at risk doing so. You'll be no help to anyone if you lapse into shock or get struck by a passing motorist.

back to top