Chapter 27
Driver Safety
Abstract
Although they may know how to operate a vehicle or ride a bike, security officers must be prepared and responsible at all times. Post instructions and a vehicle checklist will need to be followed before a security officer leaves on patrol. Bicycle safety and how to avoid possible collisions are also addressed in this chapter.
Keywords
Bicycle safety; Segway; Vehicle checklistDriving patrol vehicles can often be taken for granted. The security officer or supervisor who has been driving since they were 16 will often believe that they have the skills necessary to drive a patrol vehicle and may be lured into a false sense of security, which increases the liability for their employer as well as for themselves. Remember, when you are driving a mobile patrol vehicle, golf cart, bicycle, or Segway, you are using the property of someone else. Take personal ownership and responsibility for the confidence that has been invested in you by your employer.
Vehicle safety
Patrol vehicles come in a variety of sizes, types, makes, and models.
Automobiles
Prepare yourself
Security officers must be prepared to drive a vehicle prior to arriving at the post where the car is located. Post instructions will detail for the officer the route(s) that are to be patrolled, buildings that are to be inspected, and individuals that need to be contacted whenever a problem or issue arises. Post instructions need to be easy-to-read, clear and concise in their instruction, and up to date with current phone numbers of appropriate contacts.
Prior to beginning the patrol, a vehicle checklist should be completed by the officer arriving on duty. The checklist will usually require the following information:
1. Beginning mileage of the patrol vehicle
2. Date and time
3. Weather conditions
4. General condition of the exterior of the vehicle (dents, scratches, etc., should be noted)
5. Fuel and oil level
6. Visual inspection of the tires, checking for tire pressure and general tread condition
7. Inspection of spare tire and other emergency equipment
Once inside the vehicle, the driver should be certain all interior equipment functions as required, including seat belts, headlights, turn signals, horn, rear-view and side-view mirrors, radio, and/or cell phone. In addition, the exterior of the vehicle should be relatively clean and the windshields clear of all dirt and grime.
Driving the security vehicle
Once the security officer has begun to operate the security vehicle, all state driving regulations govern the behavior of the operator. First and foremost, the security officer must possess a valid state driver’s license. Even though liability insurance will be provided by the contract security company, or by the employer of the in-house security staff, all personnel must maintain the minimum level of personal liability insurance as required by law. Security vehicles receive no special exemption from driving regulations. Under no circumstances are security officers to exceed posted speed limits for any reason. In addition, under no circumstances are hitchhikers, disabled motorists, or others to be permitted inside the security vehicle and given transportation. For those employees of clients who need assistance, appropriate contact should be made to ensure the person receives vehicle assistance or other aid. Liability issues exist for the security officer and their employer should nonsecurity personnel be injured while in the vehicle.
While patrolling, security personnel must always be observant of road and surface conditions that may be hazardous, such as snow, ice, and rain. In addition, while patrolling on private property, defensive driver techniques will assist the officer in maintaining an excellent safety record. Under darkness and while patrolling a client’s property, blind corners need special attention because drivers may often speed on private property, not expecting another approaching vehicle.
Security personnel, when driving, need to ensure they stay on the road surface at all times and never drive onto areas off of the main road unless specifically instructed to do so in the post orders or instructions. Many manufacturing facilities may have hazards to vehicles such as broken or jagged glass, wood, steel, etc., that can damage tires. A security vehicle with flat tires is of no use! Even while on private property, security officers must adhere to all posted speed limits and obey all traffic rules.
At all times when driving, drive defensively! Assume that the drivers surrounding your vehicle are not attentive to you. Be prepared for anything and always be courteous while patrolling. Never engage in improper behavior or display hand gestures to rude or offensive drivers. Never use your vehicle’s spotlight or emergency lights other than for their intended use.
Exiting the vehicle
Often while patrolling, the security officer will be required to leave the patrol vehicle to make a building inspection or check on a security-related matter. It may be necessary to direct the headlights of the security vehicle in the vicinity of the area to be inspected. If the officer needs to enter a building even for just a minute, the car ignition should be turned off and the keys retained by the officer. The vehicle should also be locked immediately after exiting the vehicle. If the officer has a radio or cell phone, their supervisor or dispatch center should also be notified that they are leaving their vehicle and entering a building, citing the name and address of the location.
Security personnel should be certain to park the vehicle in a safe manner, out of the way of traffic. If necessary and instructed, the emergency flashers of the vehicle may be turned on while the officer is out of the vehicle.
At the conclusion of the security patrol, the vehicle checklist should be completed by the officer going off-duty, noting mileage, fuel, etc., along with any significant events that occurred during the patrol.
Bicycle safety
Bicycles can be a valuable tool. They allow officers quick access to an area not readily accessible to a larger vehicle. The most important safety aspect when patrolling using a bicycle is to be certain you have the property safety equipment, notably an approved helmet, side-view mirrors, reflectors, and lighting. Headlights, as well as taillights, are recommended.
Use of a helmet
Wearing a helmet will do absolutely nothing to prevent you from getting hit by car! Helmets might help you if you get hit and it is a good idea to wear one, but your main goal should be to avoid getting hit in the first place. Plenty of cyclists are killed by cars even though they are wearing helmets. Do not confuse wearing a helmet with biking safely. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Following the law is not enough to keep you safe. For example, the law tells you to ride as far to the right as is practicable. However, if you ride too far to the right, someone exiting a parked car could open their door. An officer should ride defensively and always be aware of his or her surroundings.
Golf carts
Sometimes, because of the large amount of area to be patrolled, golf carts are used. The following are basic rules of operating and maintaining golf carts when used by security personnel.
Safety when operating a golf cart
The maximum speed of a golf cart depends upon the terrain over which it is being driven, the weather conditions, and the total weight of the golf cart, passengers, and any equipment being carried. A golf cart should be operated at a speed equivalent to a well-paced walk, but no faster than 15 mph. Golf cart operators should observe all state vehicle traffic laws, such as lane travel, stop signs, legal passing of other vehicles, etc.
Golf carts should only be operated on a client’s private property. Sidewalks should be used only where a client’s campus streets and/or parking lots are not available, and then only to the nearest adjacent street or parking lot.
Most golf carts are designed to carry a driver and one passenger. A golf cart should not be operated with more passengers than it is designed to carry. All golf carts should have seat belts for the operator and each passenger, and each person riding in the golf cart should be restrained by a safety belt. All occupants in the golf cart should keep hands, arms, legs, and feet within the confines of the golf cart at all times when the cart is in motion.
The pedestrian always has the right-of-way. Operators of golf carts will permit this right-of-way. If the golf cart is being operated on a sidewalk, the security officer should pull off of the sidewalk or stop the unit when approaching pedestrians.
When the golf cart is not in use, the officer should place the golf cart control lever in the neutral position and remove the key.
When the golf cart is not to be used, such as overnight, the unit should be secured with a cable and lock or other equivalent locking mechanism.
Safety checklist
Before operating, the golf cart the security officer should check for:
• Proper tire condition and inflation
• Proper brake operation
• Indication of battery fluid leaks, such as wet spots under the unit
If the golf cart is in need of repair or maintenance, the unit should be taken out of service.
Operating the golf cart
The following rules should be observed when operating or using a golf cart:
• Never leave the keys in the golf cart when unattended.
• Always lock and secure the golf cart when not being used, such as when storing overnight.
• Never back up without looking to see what is behind the cart.
• Never shift gears while the vehicle is in motion.
• Never exceed the safe speed limit.
• Never operate the golf cart with more passengers aboard than the golf cart is designed to accommodate.
• Always obey all traffic rules and regulations.
• Reduce speed to compensate for inclines, pedestrians, and weather conditions.
• Maintain adequate distance between vehicles.
• Approach sharp or blind corners with caution.
• Keep hands, legs, feet, and arms inside the confines of the golf cart when it is in motion.
• Operator and passengers should wear seat belts.
• Use a tow bar only when towing a golf cart.
Battery recharge
When recharging the batteries, the following safety rules should be observed:
• Do not smoke near the recharge station.
• Only an approved battery charger should be used to recharge the batteries (designed to shut off automatically when the batteries are fully charged.)
• Do not recharge near an open flame or source of ignition.
• Pour baking soda on all spilled battery acid before cleaning up the spill.
• Wash skin thoroughly with cold water if it comes in contact with battery acid.
• Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the golf cart.
Segways
A Segway (Figure 27.1) is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle. A model specifically designed to meet the needs of law enforcement and security professionals, called the Patroller, is used by more than 1500 police and public safety organizations around the world. It is valued because of its maneuverability, visibility, approachability, mobility, responsiveness, and versatility. It can travel up to 12.5 mph, which allows patrol duties to be completed three times faster.
Before using any type of Segway, it is recommended that you view the safety video provided by an authorized Segway dealer.
Here are some basic rules for using a Segway:
1. The Segway must be charged for 12 hours for a full charge.
2. A rider must not be less than 100 lbs (45 kg). The maximum payload, including rider and any additional equipment, should not exceed 260 lbs (117 kg).
3. Always wear an approved helmet with a chin strap in place.
4. Avoid obstacles, slippery surfaces, holes, curbs, stairs, steep slopes, and loose materials.
5. Always leave a gap between yourself and the handlebars.
6. Keep knees loose and slightly bent, both hands on the handlebars, and both feet on the mats at all times.
7. Be aware of Segway safety alerts.
Summary
As security officers complete their required patrols, they may be required to use a number of different vehicles. Although the types of vehicles may differ, some things remain constant:
• The officer should use all caution when using a vehicle to avoid injury and major cost to both himself or herself and the employer.
• The officer must obey all state laws regarding the operation of each vehicle.
• The officer must also obey all safety regulations as stated by the manuals for each type of vehicle.
• The officer should follow all directions as stated in the specific post orders for each specific work site.
If an officer follows these guidelines, he or she should be able to complete their assigned duties in an efficient and timely manner, without loss of work time or expense to their employer.
Exercises
1. What are the types of vehicles that may be used by an on-duty security officer for patrol?
2. What items make up the checklist that should be completed before operating a vehicle on patrol?
3. What is the maximum weight limit allowed on a Segway?
4. What type of equipment must be worn when riding a bicycle or operating a Segway?
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