General Driving Guidelines

  1. Driving for long distances can be very tiring. Since fatigue can lead to increased potential for accidents, driving limit recommendations for all drivers are as follows:

    • Daylight travel: Four hours at a time.
    • Nighttime travel: Three hours at a time.
  2. Within 15 minutes of reaching a driving limit, the driver should exit the highway to a safe rest area. The driver should take at least a 15-minute break, or another approved driver should assume driving responsibilities.
  3. When the total trip is expected to be completed within thirty (30) minutes beyond the recommended driving limit, one (1) driver may drive the entire trip without a break. However, if poor weather or heavy traffic threatens to lengthen the trip, the driver should exit the highway to a safe rest area within the recommended driving limits. No driver should exceed ten (10) total hours of driving time in any 24-hour period.
  4. Use headlights at all times.
  5. The driver's attention should always be on the safe operation of the vehicle. The driver must avoid distractions such as eating, drinking, texting or talking on a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion.
  6. The driver should slow down and use caution when driving over speed bumps or potholes to avoid damaging fleet or rental vehicles and injuring passengers.
  7. The driver should avoid operating in reverse whenever possible to prevent accidents that happen most frequently when vehicles back up.
  8. The driver should not drive the vehicle "off road" unless it is equipped and authorized for that use.
  9. The driver shall not drive the vehicles on flooded roadways, regardless of other vehicles proceeding through flooded roadways. Situations can change rapidly and loss of life or extreme harm can occur quickly.

Van Safety and Driving Tips

As a van driver, you have a responsibility to your passengers, to Brandeis University and to the general public with whom you share the highway. Driving a van requires extra caution at all times. Although a van handles differently than a car, you can compensate for its characteristics and operate it smoothly and safely.

In addition to the instructional and practical guidance given in the driver safety program, here are some tips to keep in mind when driving a van: