Utility vehicles are common at Bates College and utilized by multiple departments.  They come in many different styles, are generally motorized, and designed to carry out a specific task with more efficacy than a passenger vehicle.  The following are guidelines to be adhered to when using a utility vehicle on the Bates campus.

1. On a daily basis, check the horn, brakes, and lights if applicable.
2. On a daily basis, check the back-up alarm, tire pressure, and potential battery acid leaks.
3. Before backing up, ensure the area behind you is clear of all obstacles, including vehicles and pedestrians.
4. Drive only in designated areas, stay off city streets as much as possible. and cross streets only in designated crosswalks.
5. Observe all rules of the road, such as coming to a complete stop at Stop signs, signaling before turning if able, and keeping to the right, except to pass.
6. Yield to passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
7. Do not drive faster than a quick-paced walk.
8. Drive slower in wet conditions, on steep slopes, when approaching corners, intersections or blind spots, and in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic.
9. Slow down for speed bumps and uneven pavement.  Do not drive off or over curbs.
10. Maintain adequate distance between vehicles.
11. To avoid tipping, drive the utility vehicle straight up and down slopes – not on a diagonal.
12. Do not drive vehicle while distracted.  If something other than driving the cart has your attention, stop the vehicle. This includes eating, using a mobile device, jotting down notes, etc.
13. Do not exceed passenger limits.  At no time should passengers be riding in the back bed of any utility vehicle. 
14. If the vehicle is manufactured with seat belts, each person is recommended to wear them.
15. All occupants should keep hands, feet, arms and legs within the confines of the passenger cab when the utility vehicle is in motion.
16. Do not overload the utility vehicle when transporting items and make sure all items are securely fastened.
17. Loads should not extend for more than a foot to each side or the front of the golf cart.
18. Use brightly covered material to flag any loads that extend more than three feet from the rear of the utility vehicle.
19. Never park in front of emergency exits, fire hydrants, fire lanes sidewalks, ramps, or doors.
20. When parking, set the brake, place the cart in neutral if able, and remove the key.
21. Transport members of the Bates Community only in unusual circumstances i.e. physically handicapped, assisting students or staff with transporting loads, etc.

There are over 1 million electric and plug-in cars on U.S. roads, and the Bates College campus has multiple charging stations for these types of vehicles. The batteries used in these vehicles have special safety concerns for passengers and first responders if there is a car fire.

These cars can experience multiple classes of fires:

• Class A: combustible materials (tires, fabrics, and plastics)
• Class B: flammable liquids (fuel)
• Class C: energized electrical equipment (lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric cars)
• Class D: metal fires (magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and lithium)

Electric vehicle fires can exceed 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying water or foam may cause a violent flare-up as the water molecules separate into explosive hydrogen and oxygen gases.

There are several common risks for drivers, passengers, and first responders associated with electric vehicle fires:

• Electrical shock (up to 400 volts)
• Extremely high temperatures and thermal runaway
• Toxic fumes
• Lithium burns (respiratory and skin reactions)
• Toxic runoff
• Reignition up to 24 hours after initial extinguishment

In the event of an electric vehicle fire, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Stay upwind
• Notify first responders of vehicle type (standard, EV, hybrid electric vehicle, high fuel economy)
• Establish priorities (rescue, fire, extrication, victim care)
• Consider the vehicle fire could be a combined fire, extrication, and hazmat incident
• Treat all conductive surfaces as if they are energized until proven to be safe
• Observe the vehicle for an extended period to monitor the battery’s heat and possible reignition
• When turning over vehicle to wrecker or towing company, brief their personnel on the hazards

Vehicle impact protection is required at locations where a moving vehicle could strike a piece of equipment that contains fuel, is fuel fired, or is energized electrical equipment. Guard posts and other physical barriers must be installed to prevent impact to the equipment.