Utility Service Vehicle Driving Rules
- Equipment organization in your utility service vehicle helps you to locate what you need quickly and safely.Huntstock/Photodisc/Getty Images
Some jobs, such as those involving installation work and maintenance, require that employees drive a utility service vehicle. This type of vehicle is owned by the company and operated on company time as a part of the employee's typical workday responsibilities. Employers should inform employees in advance if they're expected to operate a utility service vehicle and ensure that the employee is properly trained on the equipment located on the vehicle, as well as on its operation, before allowing the employee to drive the vehicle. - The utility service vehicle and the driver are required to be fully insured by the company before leaving company property. A valid insurance card and company registration is to be kept in the vehicle at all times in case of a traffic violation or accident. The company should keep a log of all drivers and which vehicles they are assigned to, as well as their scheduled stops for the day. All company utility vehicles should be returned to company property and logged in prior to the end of the workday, unless otherwise specified by the supervisor.
- Certain types of utility vehicles require the driver to have an additional driving license or certification to legally operate the vehicle. This license or certification, depending on the size of the vehicle, can be received from the local Department of Motor Vehicles and can be in addition to the driver's regular Class C license. Larger utility service vehicles require a driver to have a CDL license, which allows the driver to operate vehicles larger than a single-axle model. Companies should keep a copy of the driver's license on file in case of an accident or other incident involving the utility service vehicle.
- Utility service vehicles exist primarily to allow drivers to make large amounts of equipment portable to do any installation or maintenance work necessary in a given location. Prior to operating a utility service vehicle, a driver should conduct an inspection to ensure that the vehicle is safe. Make sure that all equipment is properly stowed and secured; heavy equipment should be stowed in the bottom of the vehicle. Tie down all ladders, poles and other large devices that may not fit entirely in the vehicle to make sure that they don't come loose and fly off the vehicle when in motion. Don't allow equipment to roll around in the back of the vehicle: Failure to do so could cause injury to you, the equipment or other motorists.
