Golf Cart and Company Vehicle Training

Requirements to Drive Company Vehicles You must be given permission and training from your senior leadership team to operate a company vehicle. Drivers and passengers are responsible for understanding and adhering to the policies of both SSA and the client, as well as understanding and adhering to all federal, state, and local laws.

Requirements to Drive Company Vehicles You must be age 18 or older, and a valid driver’s license is required. You must successfully pass a driver’s history background check on an annual basis to continue operating company vehicles. If you are sick, extremely fatigued, under the influence of medication or alcohol, or otherwise feel unfit to safely operate a vehicle, immediately tell your manager and do NOT operate it.

Examples of Vehicles You May Operate: Golf carts run silently, roll more easily, and operate at a MUCH lower speed than cars. The golf cart speed limit is [insert here]. The federal, state, and local laws of operating motor vehicles always apply and must be adhered to, regardless of whether you’re operating a cart or car. WARNING: Unsafe operations (such as riding in the cargo bed), rollover, or falling off can cause serious injury or death.

Information Regarding Onsite Vehicles When not in use, the golf carts are parked [insert location here]. The company truck is parked [insert location here]. The keys are kept [insert location here]. You can operate golf carts [insert location/times here]. You cannot operate golf carts [insert location/times here]. Use the [type of vehicle] for [reasoning]. Use [type of vehicle] for [reasoning]. [Insert any additional unit-specific information if applicable.]

Always inspect the vehicle prior to operating it. Key items to check include: Signs of physical damage Seats, handles, steps, etc. Tire pressure Lights and turn signals Brakes Steering Back-up beeper, horn, etc. Mirrors (adjust as necessary) Maintenance issues? Report them to a supervisor right away and do NOT operate the vehicle!

Driver and Passenger SSAfety As you and your passengers enter and exit the vehicle, be sure to step carefully and be cautious if there are adverse conditions (e.g., obstacles, the ground or steps being wet, snow, etc.) If you are transporting passengers, give a quick safety briefing. For example, if operating a golf cart, you can say: “Be sure to hold on, keep all body parts in the vehicle, and do not exit until the vehicle is at a full stop.” If driving a car, be sure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelt prior to starting the vehicle.

Driver and Passenger SSAfety (Continued) Do not carry more passengers than the number of seats allow, and make sure that passengers are secured properly in their seats prior to starting the vehicle. If operating a golf cart, passengers must NOT ride on the bed of the golf cart, nor can they “trolley-ride” on the sides of the vehicle! The driver and passengers must keep their hands and feet in the vehicle at all times while moving.

SSAfe Cargo Handling Make sure all cargo is properly stored and secured. Be sure to balance the load to minimize the chance of it shifting while you’re driving, and make sure that the load does not obstruct your view. Always tie down your load. If driving a golf cart, make sure all four wheels are touching the ground after securing the load. If driving a golf cart, never transport a ladder at the top of the cart. Do not exceed weight capacity.

General SSAfety Operations Follow all motor vehicle operating laws. Check for obstacles or pedestrians around the vehicle at all times. Always yield to pedestrians, and use extra caution when backing up. Do not make sudden stops or changes in direction, as this can result in a loss of control. Observe the speed limit at all times, and if there are adverse weather conditions, drive slower. Use extra caution on corners, gravel, wet conditions, etc. Avoid steep grades whenever possible. Slow down before and during turns. Do not use your phone while operating the vehicle. Do not drive on mulch or grass, as this can damage the irrigation and plants. When you stop, be sure to engage the parking brake. Turn off the engine and do NOT leave keys unattended. Never block fire equipment, fire doors, or exits. Do not leave high-value items unattended.

Charging Golf Carts Only charge in areas with good ventilation. All charging equipment and cables should be maintained in good condition. Ensure that nobody smokes near where it’s charging, as a charging battery produces hydrogen gas (which is combustible). Disconnect battery chargers before operating the vehicle. If you’re trained and authorized to service or refill battery fluids, wear protective safety goggles. Ensure battery caps are installed and only clean battery cases with a solution of water and baking soda.

NOTE: If fueling a car [insert unit-specific guidelines here]. Fueling Golf Carts Store fuel in cabinets. Only dispense fuel from approved gas cans. Make sure to observe “No Smoking” regulations around fuel. Clean up any fuel spills immediately. Never perform fueling when unauthorized people are nearby. NOTE: If fueling a car [insert unit-specific guidelines here].

Conclusion Hands-On Training: You’ll receive additional training from a member of the leadership team prior to operating a company vehicle for the first time. [Insert any unit-specific information here.] If you have any questions, please let a member of the leadership team know.