Mauna Kea
Visitor Information Station
Safe Driving Manual
VISSDM091020RB
Index
1.0
Introduction
2.0
Mission
3.0
Driver
Qualification
4.0
Safe Driving
Advice
5.0
Accident
Procedures
6.0
Managers'
Responsibilities
7.0
Related Policies,
Procedures, Notes and Comments
8.0
Addendum
9.0 Driving Evaluation
1.0 Introduction
MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORIES
177 Maka`ala St.
Hilo
,
Hawaii
96720
SUPPORT SERVICES
Phone
(808) 974-4205 Fax (808) 974-4215
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 5, 2007
TO:
All Drivers of MKSS Managed Vehicles
FROM: Ron
Koehler
SUBJECT: Driving Safely
Over the years, I
have issued a number of statements concerning safe driving.
Most of you already know that the green Taurus was recently involved in a
single car accident on
Saddle Road
at the 25 mile mark, where the road construction is taking place.
This, and other accidents you see and read about in the paper are stark
reminders that driving is the single most hazardous activity we and our families
participate in.
In 2006,
approximately 43,000 persons died and 2,575,000 were injured in the
United States
in traffic related accidents. These
are huge numbers, and should not be taken lightly.
I urge all of you to take the attitude that driving, although very
important for your lifestyle, is actually a hazardous activity, and your driving
habits are critical in reducing the likelihood of an accident.
I have attached my
recommendations for safe driving on
Saddle Road
and the
Summit Road
. Please review these documents to
remind yourself what you can do to protect yourself from death, serious injury,
and a lot of grief. Although
designed for these specific roads, the guidelines also apply to most of the
personal driving activities of you and your family.
Excessive speed for the conditions is the most important factor.
The ongoing
improvements to the
Saddle Road
, although making some sections of road safer, will generally increase the
hazards of the road due to a significant increase in traffic.
Within a year, there will be a super highway from the 19 mile mark to the
42 mile mark, making this route a more efficient means for going between
Hilo
and Waimea or Kona. It will be
years before the most hazardous sections of this road are improved, and I fear
that these sections will see many more accidents than they already experience.
MKSS vehicles have
been involved in a number of serious vehicle accidents.
We have been fortunate that these accidents have not resulted in any
serious injuries. But, they are very
costly to the project in terms of actual financial losses and lost staff time
spent on documentation and other follow up activities.
In
the coming weeks, a comprehensive MKSS accident policy will be issued that
reiterates some of the past policy statements and clearly describes the
consequences facing an employee that causes damage to MKSS vehicles.
Return to index
2.0 Mission
The core mission components of
the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station are Education, Protection and Safety.
The safety component not only applies to visitors but also to the staff and
volunteers of the Station. In order to act upon this mission, all things must be
considered through the basic guiding principle: "All
the things we think, say and do will reflect the world class nature of Mauna
Kea."
The staff and volunteers of the
Station are in the privileged position which, through our example, establishes
the standards and expectations of conduct for not only those who visit Mauna Kea,
but also for those who work on and for
Mauna Kea.
To this end, the establishment
and expectation of safe driving practices of VIS staff and volunteers is an inherent
component of the core mission of the Station as it relates to safety.
The driving standard to which all
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station staff and volunteers will be held
accountable is the current issue of the Safe Diving Manual as presented here on the
VIS
homepage.
SDMmission071202DAB
Return to index
3.0 Driver Qualification
Basic qualification to operate VIS/Ranger vehicles are:
·
Licensing
o
Full time regular staff – a current Hawaii Driver License
o
All Others – a current drivers license valid in the State of
Hawaii
·
Driving Evaluation
o
Must successfully pass a VIS/Ranger Driving Evaluation
·
Attitude
o
Must believe in and project a “safe driving” attitude.
Return to index
4.0 Safe Driving Advice
Vehicle
Responsibility - The driver is responsible for the condition of their
vehicle. S/he must inspect the vehicle and insure that all safety equipment
are present and in proper condition, the vehicle fluids at proper levels,
tires and spare are in good condition and the vehicle is safe to operate.
011208
Return to index
5.0 Accident Procedures
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 25, 2007
TO: All MKSS Drivers, Staff and Volunteers
FROM: Ron Koehler
SUBJECT: Motor Vehicle Accidents
All MKSS employees are expected to operate MKSS vehicles safely and responsibly.
Whenever a vehicle is driven, the driver is accountable for any damage to the
vehicle and for any police citations. Minor accidents, like parking lot dents
and scrapes, can be avoided with appropriate concentration and care for the
vehicle. Driving at safe speeds and focusing on the road ahead will prevent
major accidents.
Before You Drive: Inspect tires and exterior for damage. Make sure seat
and mirrors are adjusted to your height and seat belts are on before starting
the engine. Once underway, pay attention to how the vehicle handles and brakes.
Check the gauges and any dashboard warning lights. Do not drive the vehicle if
it is unsafe. Report any vehicle problems to supervisor or MKSS Hilo Office.
Make sure vehicle is returned in clean and tidy condition. All food containers
and trash must be removed and any spills must be cleaned.
In Case of an Accident: All accidents, no matter how small, must be
reported to the department manager and/or the
Hilo
office as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary
action. Each vehicle has an accident information packet that contains the
registration, insurance, and safety check documents and forms the driver must
fill out. BOTH accident report forms must be completed. If there is an injury or
potential injury, there is an RCUH industrial accident form for staff and a
State injury form for volunteers. 911 must be called for any accident that
involves driving off the roadway, damage to another vehicle or property, or
bodily injury.
All drivers are required to have a current driver’s license. All regular hires
must have a State of
Hawaii
license. If a driver’s license has been suspended, this must be reported to
the supervisor, and the driver may not operate MKSS vehicles until the license
has been reinstated.
Accidents are avoided with safe driving habits. The MKSS driver is considered to
be at fault in all accident situations. If the driver feels it is not their
fault, it is their responsibility to note witnesses, call the police for an
investigation, and provide an explanation to the supervisor.
Anytime there is a major accident, the driver will be automatically and
routinely suspended from driving MKSS vehicles. Depending on the results of the
accident investigation, the employee may also face disciplinary action,
including a formal reprimand, employment probation, suspension, or termination.
All accidents will be itemized in the yearly employee evaluations and will
affect their rating.
Safe driving is an important priority for you and your family. Take this into
consideration every time you operate a motor vehicle. Accidents can be
prevented.
All accident
reports will be reviewed by the Safe Driving Team. The team may render the
following opinions:
-
Concur
without comment
-
Concur
with comment
-
Disagree
without comment
-
Disagree
with comment
Agreed by team 080315
Return to index
6.0 Managers' Responsibilities
MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORIES
177 Maka`ala St.
Hilo
,
Hawaii
96720
SUPPORT
SERVICES
Phone
(808) 974-4205 Fax (808) 974-4215
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
October 25, 2007
TO:
All MKSS Managers
FROM:
Ron Koehler
SUBJECT:
Driving Policy
As you
know from other memos, I consider driving a motor vehicle the most dangerous
activity any of us participate in. The
problem is, most drivers get behind the wheel of an automobile and take their
safety for granted.
It is our job as managers to counteract this complacency and make sure our
staff regard driving as a truly dangerous activity and understand that accidents
have serious consequences. To
accomplish this, we need to regularly remind staff to drive safely, set a good
example for staff, and establish a standardized response to accidents.
Reminders:
Use the
phrase “Drive safely” often. Post
the “How to Drive on
Saddle Road
” memo, and review it with all new staff.
Reissue this and the safe driving memo when there is an accident.
Inspect
vehicles for damage and cleanliness:
Regularly inspect the vehicles in your department for damage and
cleanliness. Investigate unreported
damage and remind drivers that it is their responsibility to clean the interior
when they are finished. Proper
respect for the vehicles is an important factor in promoting driver safety.
The supervisors will be held responsible if vehicles are returned with
damage or dirty interiors.
Set a good
example:
All supervisors must set a good example for their employees.
Drive slowly, no fast acceleration, no parking lot accidents, etc.
Keep the interior of the vehicles you drive clean.
Don’t be careless with vehicles.
When
there is an accident:
Driver
actions:
Make sure the driver has followed all the instructions for reporting the
accident. If the driver is injured
or otherwise unable to fill out the forms, the supervisors must do this as soon
as possible. Make sure the police
have been notified when appropriate. Make
sure the accident report forms are submitted to the MKSS Hilo office as soon as
possible.
Suspend
driving privileges:
This needs to be an automatic response for all serious accidents while
the accident circumstances are investigated and the supervisor’s report
generated.
Conduct a
fact-finding investigation:
Supervisor will conduct a site inspection as soon as possible.
The objective of this investigation is to gather “facts” pertaining
to the accident while the site and memories are fresh.
Take pictures, make sketches, record the accurate location (mile makers),
road conditions, etc. Review the
accident report submitted by the driver, interview any witnesses if they are our
staff or volunteers, and make sure all of the facts are consistent.
I generally feel that all accidents are preventable, and my memo to
drivers makes it clear that they are held accountable for accidents.
If they do not feel it was their fault, they must be able to convince you
that this is the case. Although the
investigation may result in evidence that shows who is at fault, there should
not be any statements concerning fault made to anyone other than the MKSS
General Manager.
Write a
report:
Analyze the data and prepare a report addressed to the MKSS General
Manager. Your report should include
your conclusion(s) and recommended action to be taken.
The General Manager will then review the report and finalize it.
Actions taken include: a formal reprimand to be placed in the personnel
files, an appropriate period of time to suspend driving privileges, employment
suspension, termination, driving probation, or other appropriate measures.
The accident must be referred to in the employee’s yearly evaluation,
and this must be a consideration in awarding any general and merit pay
adjustments.
Supervisor
responsibilities:
Each supervisor must do what they can to prevent accidents.
Repeated accidents within your project are a bad reflection on
supervisory performance, and will be noted on the annual staff evaluation.
Return to index
7.0 Related Policies, Procedures, Notes and Comments
A.
A. Vehicle lights – at summit
and at VIS
Vehicles must use their lights
when driving on the road in the dark.
The state law requires vehicles
operated on the roadway after dark to use their headlights.
Vehicles must use their headlights when driving on the road in the dark
at the VIS and on the summit, and the law requires it.
Headlights
All Staff and Rangers:
I want to make it clear that all VIS and Ranger
staff should drive with their headlights on when it is
dark or visibility is limited because of fog, rain, etc. You are not to
use directional signals, flashers, parking lights, etc. as the primary lights
when driving in poor visibility situations.
At the last ranger meeting, I think we made it
clear that we should NEVER tell someone else to drive without their
headlights in the dark. I did not recall specifically saying
what staff should do.
The MKSS Oversight Committee has debated what the
observatories should tell their own staff. They pretty much agree with
the policy above. In the process, one of the members found the County of
Hawaii Ordinance on headlights. The text follows:
§291-25
Lights for motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, motorized bicycles.
(a) From thirty minutes after sunset until thirty minutes before sunrise,
every motor vehicle moving upon any public highway shall carry at the front
thereof at least two lighted head lamps which shall display white lights of
equal candle power. The head lamps shall be securely mounted, not less than
twenty-four inches nor more than fifty-four inches above the road surface when
measured to the head lamp center, on a rigid part of the vehicle designed
specifically for head lamp installation by the manufacturer, and so arranged,
adjusted, and constructed that, when the motor vehicle is fully loaded, any
pair of headlights under the conditions of use shall produce a light
sufficient to reveal any person, vehicle, or substantial object on the highway
straight ahead of the motor vehicle for a distance of two hundred feet.
The light when measured at a distance of one
hundred feet directly in front of the motor vehicle, and at a height of sixty
inches above the level surface on which the motor vehicle stands, shall not
exceed two thousand four hundred apparent candle power, nor shall this candle
power be exceeded at a greater height than sixty inches.
When measured at a distance of one hundred feet
ahead of the motor vehicle and seven feet or more to the left of the axis of
the same, and at a height of sixty inches above the level surface on which the
motor vehicle stands, the light shall not exceed eight hundred apparent candle
power.
(b) During the time specified in subsection (a),
every motorcycle, motor scooter, or motorized bicycle while moving on a public
highway shall carry, at the front thereof, at least one lighted headlight
which shall give a light of such power and so distributed as provided in
subsection (a); provided that any motorcycle, motor scooter, or motorized
bicycle with a side car or similar contrivance attached shall, in addition to
the foregoing required light, carry on the side car or similar contrivance a
lighted lamp visible from a point at least two hundred feet ahead of the
vehicle. Any headlight required by this subsection shall display white light
and shall be securely mounted, not less than twenty-four inches nor more than
fifty-four inches above the road surface when measured to the headlight's
center on a rigid part of the vehicle designed specifically for installation
of a light by the manufacturer. [RL 1945, pt of §11707; am L 1953, c 260, §1;
RL 1955, §311-7; HRS §291-25; am L 1985, c 105, §2]
070401DAB
B.
B. 4WD and VIS Vehicles - The following standards will apply for all
VIS vehicles
- All VIS vehicles will be placed in 4WD, low range at/above the HP
gate;
- All VIS vehicles will be placed in 2WD, High range below the HP gate;
- Discretion is allow below the HP gate during bad weather.020527
C.
C. Training - From time to time MKSS/OMKM will provide training such as the
Gemini Mountain Driving Training r other training as appropriate.
D.
D. VIS Daily Vehicle Assignments - Vehicle will be allocated to minimize the
number of trips from MKSS to VIS to MKSS.
E.
E. Days Since Last Accident Safety Campaign
Title - Days Since Last Accident Safety Campaign
Goal – Accident Safety Awareness
Time Frame – Continuous
Description – A white board will be installed behind the
counter at the
VIS.
During the End of Day VIS/Ranger Meeting, the white board will be updated
showing the number of days since the last VIS/Volunteer/Ranger accident. The
chair of the meeting will do the following during the meeting:
·
Update the white board and encourage all drives to continue to
drive safety;
·
Ask all drivers to identify themselves;
·
Remind all drivers to drive safely, drive slow and be careful of
current hazards i.e. rain, construction etc
·
Remind all passengers to help the driver to drive safely.
An accident which results in an investigation will count as
an accident for this campaign.
Date Started - January 22, 2008
F. Don't Drive Fast Safety Campaign
Title - Don't Drive Fast
Safety Campaign
Goal – Accident Safety Awareness
Time Frame – One month
Description - The
principle cause of accidents by VIS/Rangers/Volunteers is driving too
fast. This campaign will focus on this issue for the
appropriate amount of time
-
All full
time, regular VIS/Ranger staff will participate in this campaign
-
Whenever
any Staff/Ranger/Volunteer associated with OMKM or MKSS is about to drive a
vehicle, staff will remind the driver: "Don't Drive Fast."
Other reminders may also be appropriate such as:
o
Be careful of the construction area
o
It's raining on the Saddle Road, be careful there.
o
The summit is foggy, be careful.
o
Other appropriate reminders
G. Driver Evaluation
o
Manager will review and determine appropriate follow up: retest,
discuss with driver, no qualification - agreed 080315
Return to index
8.0 Addendum
A.
Approved Qualified Drivers
|
Driver
Status Name
|
Date
Saddle Road
Qualified
|
Date
Summit
Qualified
|
Evaluator Approved
|
Approved
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C
Alavi, Ali
NC
Albarran, Robert
C
Belluardo,
Chris
C
Berk,
Jeff
C
Berner, Dylan
C
Berner, Rich
|
Oct
15, 2009
July
8, 2008
July
8, 2008
June
17, 2008
July
24, 2009
Dec 12,2007
|
NA
10/04/08
NA
NA
N/A
Dec
12, 2007
|
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Yes
|
RB
RB
RB
RB
RB
DAB
|
|
C
Betancourt, M
|
Feb 18, 2008
|
NA
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Birchall, Dan
C
Borys, Alexandra
|
Feb 9, 2008
Sept.
1, 2009
|
Feb 23, 2008
xxx
|
Yes
xxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
Bovet, Tamara
|
April 7, 2008
|
NA
|
xxxx
|
RB
|
|
C
Byrne, DA
C
Calomiris, Zoi
|
Feb
18, 2008
June
11, 2009
|
Dec
24, 2007
NA
|
Yes
xxx
|
RB
RB
|
|
C
Church, Matt
C
Dement,
Kaniela
C
Estebon, Adrian
C
Flechaus, Megan
|
April 19,2008
Dec
23, 2008
April
13, 2009
Oct
20, 2009
|
May 30,2008
xxx
June
10, 2009
xxx
|
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
RB
|
|
C
Fox, Shane
C
Gachugu, Njugu
C
Gibson, Cody
|
Jan 27, 2008
May
22, 2009
Sept.
10, 2009
|
Jan 27, 2008
NA
NA
|
Yes
xxxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
RB
|
|
NC
Guitard, Michelle
|
Feb 27, 2008
|
NA
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Haldeman, Dirk
C
Hannan, Joseph
|
Feb 28, 2008
Jan
19, 2009
|
Nov.
12, 2008
Jan
19, 2009
|
xxxx
xxxx
|
DAB/RB
RB
|
|
C
Hall, Katherine
|
Jan 12,2009
|
NA
|
cccc
|
Dab
|
|
C
Hayama,
Kaori
NC
Hilliard, Richard
|
July
8, 2008
Feb 25, 2008
|
NA
NA
|
xxx
xxxx
|
RB
DAB
|
|
NC
Hines, Jenna
C
Huffman-Ross, Heather
|
Feb 27, 2008
Oct 20, 2009
|
NA
NA
|
xxxx
xxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Kanahele, Ahiena
|
Feb
26, 2008
|
Jan
23, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Kealoha, Chris
|
Feb 25, 2008
|
Nov 9,2009
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Kaluna, Heather
|
June 28,2008
|
NA
|
xxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Kelley, Joel
|
Jan 31,2009
|
Feb 25, 2009
|
xxx
|
DAB/RB
|
|
NC
Kema,
Matthew
|
Jan 13, 2008
|
Jan
4, 2008
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Knutson, Eric
|
March 3, 2008
|
July 8, 2008
|
xxxx
|
DAB/RB
|
|
C
Livermore,
Cliff
C
Morriarity, Richard
|
NA
May
26, 2009
|
Jan
27, 2008
NA
|
xxxx
xxxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
Maurer, Basil
|
March 6, 2008
|
NA
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Maxwell, Caroline
C
McDonough, Joe
|
Dec
18, 2007
Sept
9, 2009
|
Dec
11, 2008
NA
|
Yes
xxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
McNew, Callie
C
Mosier, Kevin
C
Oakley-Melvin, Deborah
C
Ocer, Phil
|
Jan 23, 2008
Oct 20, 2009
July 24, 2009
Sept. 10, 2009
|
Jan 9, 2008
NA
N/A
N/A
|
Yes
xxx
xxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
RB
|
|
C
Olsen, Kent
|
Jan 16, 2008
|
Feb 23, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Ostrander, J
C
Pancio, Kristen
C
Park, Ana
|
Jan 22, 2008
April
23, 2008
May
22, 2009
|
NA
April
23, 2008
NA
|
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
|
DAB
RB
RB
|
|
C
Pihana, Kimo
|
Feb 19, 2008
|
Feb 25, 2008
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Richert, Alex
|
Jan 20, 2008
|
NA
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Sakaguchi, Chisato
C
Scharf, Jamie
|
Feb 17, 2008
Nov 19, 2008
|
March 1, 2008
xxx
|
xxxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
Secrest, Nathan
C
Seibal, Jason
C
Shimizu, Maury
C
Smith, Omega
C
Smoke, Josh
|
April 27, 2008
Nov, 19, 2008
July
24,2009
Oct, 22, 2008
Sept.
1, 2009
|
xxx
xxx
xxxx
Feb 15, 2009
xxx
|
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
RB
RB
RB
|
|
C
Stevick, Justin
|
Jan 19, 2008
|
March 14, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Stewart, Sunny
|
March 21, 2008
|
Aug
8, 2009
|
xxxx
|
DAB/RB
|
|
C
Stoebner, Sarah
C
Surprenant, Michael
|
Feb 9, 2008
Aug
26, 2009
|
NA
NA
|
xxxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
Tanaka, Akira
|
March 8, 2008
|
March 8, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Thomas, Terry
|
May 8,2008
|
NA
|
XXXX
|
DAB
|
|
C
Ueno, Nobu
|
Nov 22,2008
|
NA
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Walton, Kimberley
|
Feb 11, 2009
|
NA
|
zzzz
|
DAB
|
|
C
Wasser, Mark
|
Oct 15,2008
|
NA
|
xxxxxx
|
DAB
|
|
C
Weir, Don
|
Feb 23, 2007
|
Jan 2, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Whelan, Kelly
|
Sept 28, 2008
|
NA
|
NA
|
DAB
|
|
C
Whelan, Shori
|
August 3, 2008
|
NA
|
XXX
|
DAB
|
|
C
Williams,
Josh
|
April 8, 2008
|
April 26, 2008
|
Yes
|
DAB
|
|
C
Wilson, Lorna
|
April 25, 2008
|
NA
|
XXX
|
DAB
|
|
C
Yamazaki, Kohei
C
Yarbrough, Gretchen
|
Jan 22, 2008
June 10, 2009
|
NA
NA
|
xxxx
xxx
|
DAB
RB
|
|
C
Yoshida, Natsuki
C=Currently Approved to Drive
NC= Not Currently Approved to Drive
|
Jan 13, 2008
|
Dec 22, 2007
|
xxxx
|
DAB
|
Return to index
9.0 Driving
Evaluation
Driver Evaluation
Checklist
PART I:
General
1. Present
drivers license (actual license, not a copy).
________
2. Vehicle
check and preparation:
a. Check exterior of vehicle (tires, lights, windows, dents, oil, brake
fluid, coolant and power steering fluid).
________
b. Be familiar with spare tire and jack location and able to change a
tire.
________
3. Startup and driving:
a. Adjust seat and mirrors,
locate wiper and light controls and parking brake.
Fasten seatbelt. ________
b. After starting engine,
check gauges and release parking brake. ________
c. When leaving curb or
parking stall; check mirrors, look
back, look over shoulder and signal as appropriate. ________
d. Acceleration and braking
should be smooth. Right foot used
for both accelerator and brake. Observe
minimum 2-second following
distance. ________
e. Observe posted speed
limits and obey traffic rules. Both
hands on wheel most of the time. ________
f. Be able to park at HP.
(gearshift in P, brake engaged). ________
PART II: Saddle Road
4. Saddle road:
a. Driving uphill shift
manually as appropriate to maintain engine speed. ________
b. Be defensive, willing to
pull over for overtaking vehicles. ________
c. Stay on proper side of
center line. (especially on blind curves) ________
d. Driving downhill shift to
a low enough gear to prevent brake overuse. ________
e. Braking should be minimal
on uphill drive. Going downhill
braking should be smooth and generally completed prior to
entering curves. ________
DRIVING BETWEEN
HILO
AND HALE POHAKU
Drive
Slowly -- Stay Alert
-- Be Defensive -- Brake BEFORE
Curves
|
DRIVING
SITUATION
|
HAZARD
|
PRECAUTIONARY
ACTION
|
|
UPHILL on
Saddle Road
|
Vehicle
coming downhill may be out of control and in your lane.
Especially between 11 and 15 miles.
|
Drive Slow
and be alert to improve your chances of avoiding an accident.
A gear less than drive should be used for quicker response to
hazards ahead.
|
|
Curves in
road while going downhill.
|
Braking
while in a curve creates instability and loss of traction.
This effect is exaggerated on wet pavement.
|
Always enter
a curve at a slow enough speed so brakes are not applied while in the
curve. Think ahead, and
brake on the straight section before the curve.
|
|
DOWNHILL on
first 3 miles below the
VIS
|
Steepest
part of the road to
Hilo
. There are a number of
sharp turns after long, steep inclines.
Brakes can overheat and fail to work !
|
Low Gear*
must be used to minimize brake use.
Use the brakes only as needed to further slow the vehicle.
The road is more level after the water reservoir.
|
|
DOWNHILL
from the water reservoir to the 19 mile marker.
|
As of 2008,
this is the best section of road.
The speed limit is 55 mph from 28 t0 19 mile post.
|
Do not use
overdrive. Do not exceed
the posted speed limit.
|
|
DOWNHILL
from 19 to 15 mile marks.
|
Road narrows
and speed limit is reduced.
|
Slow down
and use a lower gear.
|
|
DOWNHILL
from the 15 mile marker to the 11 mile marker – many accidents occur
here !
|
Most
hazardous section of road because
of numerous sharp, inclined curves.
Hazard exaggerated when road is wet.
|
2nd
GEAR*
must be used. Drive at
least 5 mph slower than the speed driven before this section.
Anticipate upcoming curves and BRAKE BEFORE THE CURVES.
|
|
DOWNHILL
from the 11 mile marker to the MKSS Hilo office.
|
|
Continue to
drive slowly and ANTICIPATE
actions of others. Respect
posted speed limits.
|
|
Vehicle in
front brakes or swerves.
|
Action taken
to avoid collision can result in an accident.
|
Stay far
behind vehicles in front. Because
of the turns, wet roads, and sharp curves on
Saddle Road
, the distance to the vehicle in front should be at least 5 seconds.
|
|
Vehicle
behind is tailgating .
|
This
trailing vehicle may cause collision if you take defensive action to
avoid something.
|
Do not
aggravate driver. Find a
good place for a safe pass and slow down while moving over to the
right shoulder.
|
|
Wet Pavement
|
Less
traction between tires and road surface.
|
Drive SLOWER,
and apply the brakes before the curves.
|
|
Fog/Rain
|
Visibility
is reduced, road is wet.
|
Drive SLOWER
and use headlights so others see you – even in the daytime.
|
|
Spills
|
Oil/fuel,
and other spills make the road surface less safe.
|
Always drive
slow enough to provide a margin of safety from unexpected events.
|
|
Drowsiness
|
It is not
unusual to be tired after a day of work at altitude.
|
Pull over
and rest, or ask someone else to drive.
|
|
Passenger
Comfort
|
Passengers
will feel anxious about safety before the driver.
|
Drivers
should drive slower than the speed they are personally comfortable
with.
|
* Low Gear:
The actual gear depends on the vehicle and it’s load.
If the brakes are needed before most turns, a lower gear and speed
should be selected.
PART III: Summit Road
5. Summit road:
a. Use 4 low above HP gate by
utilities area. ________
b. Keep to proper side of
road in blind hairpin turns. ________
c. Observe caution at narrow
spots. (yield to uphill traffic) ________
d. Use appropriate
gears during descent to minimize braking. ________
DRIVING BETWEEN HALE POHAKU and
SUMMIT
Drive
Slowly --
Stay Alert --
Be Defensive -- Use LOW
Gear
|
DRIVING
SITUATION
|
HAZARD
|
PRECAUTIONARY
ACTION
|
|
Dawn and Dusk Sunlight
|
Sun shines directly at driver.
|
Drive slow. Clean windshields. Wear
sunglasses. Stop, look out open window if disoriented.
NO MACHISMO ! Slow
or stop for oncoming vehicle.
|
|
DOWNHILL on Pavement (general)
|
Overbraking can cause brake failure
here or further down road.
|
Use Low Gear – make sure OVERDRIVE
is turned off on automatic transmissions.
|
|
DOWNHILL on Pavement (ice/snow)
|
Loss of traction, wheels will lock
during braking.
|
Use 4WD and lowest gear possible.
Try not to brake, as tires will lock up.
Use studded tires and/or chains when ice is likely.
|
|
DOWNHILL on Cinder
(general)
|
Poor traction.
|
4WD should be used.
|
|
DOWNHILL on Cinder
(curves)
|
Braking while in a curve creates
instability and loss of traction.
This effect is exaggerated on loose cinders.
|
4WD, and low gear should be used.
Brake before the curve, not during the curve.
|
|
DOWNHILL on Cinder
(on-coming traffic)
|
Uphill vehicles may be in downhill
lane. Road may narrow at
culverts.
|
Drive 25 mph or less so that defensive
maneuvers, including STOPS are possible.
|
|
UPHILL on Cinder
(general)
|
Poor traction.
Washboards in right lane on curves and steep sections.
|
4WD and low gear should be used.
Do not drive in left lane, drive slower on washboards.
|
|
UPHILL on Cinder
(On-coming large vehicle)
|
Large trucks (like water truck) coming
downhill have very little ability to maneuver and even slow down.
|
Drive slowly and be prepared to find a
wider section to allow large truck to pass.
Avoid passing truck in narrow sections.
Stop on side of road if necessary.
|
|
ROAD GRADER ON CINDER SECTION
|
Slower Grader needs to be passed.
|
From behind grader, be patient, do not
drive too close, as grader may stop.
Wait for a wide section with no on-coming traffic.
If grader in on-coming, look for a wide section and pull over.
|
|
ROAD GRADER ON CINDER SECTION
|
Grader leaves a berm, with some large
rocks in center of roadbed. Crossing
the berm can damage
vehicles.
|
Drive slow.
Determine which side of berm is most advantageous.
Avoid on-coming traffic. Look
for a section of berm void of rocks to cross over.
|
|
Vehicle behind is tailgating .
|
This trailing vehicle may cause
collision if you take defensive action to avoid something.
|
Do not aggravate driver.
Find a good place for a safe pass and slow down while moving
over to the right shoulder.
|
|
Drowsiness
|
It is not unusual to be tired after
spending time at altitude.
|
Pull over and rest, or ask someone
else to drive.
|
|
Passenger Comfort
|
Passengers will feel anxious about
safety before the driver.
|
Drivers should drive slower than the
speed they are personally comfortable with.
|
PART IV: Approval
6. Exhibit a
safety conscious and responsible attitude.
________
I agree to operate MKSS/OMKM vehicles in accordance with
the MKSS Safe Driving Manual.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Driver Name
Signature
Date
I certify that the above named driver has performed
acceptably during the Saddle portion of the evaluation drive.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evaluator Name
Signature
Date
I certify that the above named driver has performed
acceptably during the Summit portion of the evaluation drive.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evaluator Name
Signature
Date
o
Driver's license copied and attached (check circle if yes)
PART V:
Evaluator Qualification
The qualifications to become an "Evaluator" are the
following:
-
Must be a VIS staff member, Ranger or Volunteer in good
standing
-
Must be qualified to operate MKSS/OMKM vehicles
-
Must have operated MKSS/OMKM or observatory vehicles on
Mauna Kea for one calendar year or drove professionally on Mauna Kea for one
year.
-
Must have a safe drive record on Mauna Kea for one year.
-
Must be approved as a "Evaluator."
I certify that the above named driver is approved as a
qualified Drive Evaluator.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Approver's Name
Signature
Date
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