Transportation Policies and Procedures

All drivers of Hood College vans, or vans rented by the College must complete an “Authorization for Records Check" form and have a records check approved by our human resources office before driving a vehicle.
Drivers must use their discretion in maintaining a safe speed. In addition, drivers should decrease speeds when dictated by adverse conditions. Under no circumstances should drivers exceed lower or higher posted speed limits.
The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
The driver of a trip of five hours or less driving time must take a break every two hours. Fatigue is dangerous. If you get tired, don’t take a chance: take a break!
Non-Student Drivers (regardless of age) - Trips of 200 miles or more (one way) requires at least a 15-minute break every two-and-a-half hours traveled or every 200 miles.
Student Drivers - Trips of 100 miles or more (one way) requires at least a 15-minute break for every hour and 15 minutes to every hour and a half of driving time.
Any trip longer than five hours or 250 miles (one way) requires the use of a professional vehicle unless approved by the director of campus safety.
Absolutely no alcohol and/or drug use is permitted in Hood College-owned or leased vehicles. No one should drive within 12 hours after consuming alcohol.
Headlights will be ON when the vehicle is in motion.
The front passenger seat will be reserved for someone who will remain awake and monitor the driver/driving.
In times of forecasted inclement weather, the College president and director of campus safety must contact the traveling group to permit or cease further travel. The decision to discontinue travel may come from campus safety, the respective office or department, or the designated drivers.

Emergency kits, gas card, key and “vehicle use form” can be picked up at the switchboard.
Prior to departure from campus:
- The “Vehicle Use Form” [WHAT IS THIS?] needs to be completed. The yellow copy must be returned to the switchboard prior to departing the campus.
- Please note: There will be no eating or drinking in the vehicles (with the exception of water). Please treat the vehicle like it was your own and put all seats back to the position they were before you departed campus.
- The exact passengers occupying each vehicle must not exceed the number of seatbelts.
- All passenger’s names must be on the form and left at the switchboard before departure.
- Passengers are not to relocate to another van during the trip.
- Check the vehicle for any damages and make a note on the “Vehicle Use Form” before you depart and when you return to campus.
- Each vehicle is equipped with a cell phone for “emergency use only” which should be on throughout the trip. There will be a car charger in the emergency kit in the event the phone needs to be charged.
- The emergency kit has the College’s insurance card, registration and a form in the event of an accident.
- If you are involved in an accident you must contact the switchboard immediately at 301-696-3548 or contact Doreen Jarvis at 240-446-3615.
Prior to returning to campus, it is the responsibility of the driver to assure the following has been completed:
- The vehicle has been cleaned and picked-up to the fullest capacity possible.
- Make sure the inside lights all go off before returning the vehicle and all windows are closed. (In the past the inside lights are turned on but not turned off and this kills the battery.
- The gas tank needs to be filled up before returning to campus (Exxon gas card located in kit)
- The “Vehicle Use Form” is filled out in its entirety: please make sure mileage is filled out
- The emergency kit, vehicle keys, receipts from gas purchases and “Vehicle Use Form” has been returned to the switchboard.

Transportation Policies and Procedures

Campus Safety

Are you ready to say Hello?

Choose a Pathway