Safe Transportation Policy

DPAA is committed to safe and efficient travel for all groups and activities which they sponsor. DPAA complies with federal, state, and local driving laws and regulations as well as fleet best practices. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • obeying speed limits and bridge and tunnel limits and regulations
  • ensuring proper licensing and background checks for all employed and volunteer drivers
  • ensuring proper registration and insurance for vehicles and trailers
  • conducting preventive maintenance of vehicles and trailers according to the recommended manufacturer schedule and making repairs timely
  • ensuring safe towing practices for trailers
  • keeping driving logs
  • prohibiting distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • requiring drivers to be well rested
  • making sure vehicles and trailers are loaded and unloaded safely, are within weight limits, and are appropriately balanced for travel

Department of Transportation Guidelines

DPAA follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Interstate Truck Driver’s Guide to Hours of Service. Each driver for all vehicles over 10,000 lbs. (including any towed items or actual weight of vehicle and any tows) must keep a driving log using the Big Road App. The training video can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=fzODwY2fGlg&t=354s.

Any driver of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (including tows) over 26,000 lbs. (or actual weight of vehicle and any tows) must possess a valid commercial driver’s license and be in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.

The DPAA Transportation Manager is responsible for:

  • creating the fleet plan, travel plan, and cargo plan for the drum corps
  • coordinating background checks including driving records and licensing on all paid and volunteer drivers to be maintained in personnel and volunteer files
  • training all drivers for all vehicles on all relevant policies and procedures
  • training corps members, roadies, and volunteers on how to load and unload the vehicles and trailers correctly and safely
  • creating and implementing the maintenance schedule for all vehicles and trailers, and keeping all records of completed work
  • ensuring all vehicles and trailers are registered, inspected, and covered by appropriate insurance, and that documentation is current

Pre‐trip Walk‐around Inspections

Drivers are responsible for conducting walk‐around inspections of their vehicles before driving each day or shift and note any defects or damage. Employees must also note defects or damage to seats, seat belts, interior lights, engine warning lights, rearview mirrors, and emergency equipment. Employees must report defects or damage to the Director of Operations immediately. The Director of Operations will evaluate the report and ensure that all hazards are repaired promptly. Vehicles that are unsafe to drive must be placed out of service immediately.

Driver Guidelines and Reporting Requirements

  1. DPAA vehicles are to be driven by authorized drivers only, except in case of repair testing by a mechanic.
  2. Any driver who has a driver’s license revoked or suspended shall immediately notify the Director of Operations, and immediately discontinue operation of the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
  3. All accidents in DPAA vehicles, regardless of severity, must be reported to the police and to the Director of Operations. Accidents are to be reported immediately (from the scene, during the same day, or as soon as practicable if immediate or same day reporting is not possible). Accidents in personal vehicles while on DPAA business* must follow these same accident procedures. Accidents involving the driver’s personal injury must also be reported to Human Resources. Failing to stop after an accident and/or failure to report an accident may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. For each accident a Vehicle Accident Report must be completed and kept on file by the Director of Operations. Any DPAA driver involved in an accident while operating a vehicle for DPAA business must submit to a drug and alcohol screening.
  4. Drivers must report all ticket violations received during the operation of a DPAA vehicle, or while driving a personal vehicle on company business*, within 72 hours to the Director of Operations.
  5. Motor Vehicle Records will be obtained on all drivers prior to employment or assignment and no less than annually.
  6. Driving a vehicle for DPAA business while under the influence of alcohol, intoxicants or other drugs (which impair driving ability) is strictly prohibited and is cause for immediate termination.
*DPAA business is defined as driving at the direction, or for the benefit, of the employer. It does not include normal commuting to and from work.