Facilities Management

On the Road

Prior to departure, record the starting odometer reading on the request form and familiarize yourself with the vehicle's controls. Drivers must obey all traffic regulations. Smoking is not permitted in WIU vehicles. The transportation of alcohol or illegal drugs is not permitted in WIU vehicle. Operating WIU vehicles while taking prescription drugs that may interfere with driving ability is not permitted. The use of radar detecting devices is not permitted in WIU vehicles. Spouses or other non-university personnel are not permitted to ride in WIU vehicles without vice presidential approval for the trip. Transporting guest performers, clinicians, etc., is allowable.

Drivers should refuel at the Transportation Services facility whenever possible. When refueling a vehicle, please follow these important safety rules. Turn off the engine, do not smoke, do not use a cell phone, and do not re-enter the vehicle during refueling. The engine oil should be checked at every fuel stop. When using the WIU fuel credit card, always get a receipt. If cash or a personal credit card is used for gasoline or pre-authorized vehicle repairs, please submit the receipt, along with the driver's name and WIU employee ID number to Transportation Services for reimbursement. After the reimbursement is processed, Business Services will deposit it directly into your checking account.

Vehicles are to be used solely within the scope of authorization. A driver may be personally liable for the cost of damages to other property if they are found to have been using a route that was not reasonably consistent with their stated destination. WIU vehicles are very visible to the public. The public will report any questionable driving, speeding, unauthorized use, etc. to Transportation Services. All driving complaints made to Transportation Services or the VPAS Office will be investigated.

Transportation Services must be notified prior to any trip requiring multiple drivers. Passing keys between drivers is not permitted unless all of the drivers for the trip are listed on the request and all of the drivers present a valid drivers license at the time of vehicle dispatch.

Effective 1/1/10, text messaging while driving became an illegal act in the State of Illinois. A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send or read an electronic message, which includes email, a text message, an instant message, or accessing the Internet.

Effective January 01, 2014, in the state of Illinois, cellphone use while driving is prohibited, unless using a hands-free device such as Bluetooth.

Finally, Illinois allows municipalities to establish their own laws regarding motorists’ cell phone usage. Prior to the new laws above, Chicago previously enacted hands-free legislation to make driving while using a cell phone illegal. As employees travel through Illinois, they should investigate similar municipal regulations along intended routes.

Drivers are expected to obey all traffic regulations. The driver is responsible for all tickets, fines, violations, or citations incurred while the vehicle is assigned to them. Transportation Services will not assume responsibility for any unpaid tickets, fines, etc. If you have a personal IPass transponder for the Illinois Tollway, you can use it in a fleet vehicle. You must call the Illinois Tollway and have the fleet vehicle added to your account prior to departure. Please be sure you indicate that the "plate type" is "state vehicle" or the IPass system won't recognize the transponder for that vehicle and toll fines will be incurred. To avoid any possible fines, it is still best to pay all tolls at the toll booth and then be reimbursed on your travel voucher when you turn in your travel expenses.

Avoid multi-level parking garages with large vans. There have been occasions when vans have become stuck due to low clearance, causing substantial expense to remove and repair.

During multi-day trips in the Macomb area, the vehicle must be parked overnight on WIU property. Please do not park a university vehicle at your residence.

If you require an emergency repair, drive or have the vehicle towed to a safe area away from traffic. If the repair is minor, such as a tire repair, charge the repair and/or towing to the fuel credit card, personal credit card, or pay cash. Submit the receipt to Transportation Services for reimbursement. If the vehicle has been towed and the repair is estimated to exceed $200.00, drivers must contact Transportation Services (309) 298-1834 ext. 221 for authorization to proceed. After hours contact the WIU Office of Public Safety 309 298-1949. Without authorization, the driver may be held liable for the cost of the repair.

Contact information is also listed on a laminated card located in the vehicle glove box.

For your convenience, all vehicles have a copy of the "Transportation Services On The Road" booklet.