Driving

Note that driving from HILO to HP is considered one of the most hazardous activities at the JAC. Obey speed limits at all times. Look out for blind turns, and reduce your speed if the conditions of the road so require (heavy rain, fog). If a queue of traffic forms, pull over at a safe spot to allow it to pass.
At Hale Pohaku (HP), 2WD cars must be parked in the lower parking lot
At HP, the keys are located on a board in the JAC office on the second floor behind the door. The keys should be put on the board immediately after arrival at HP, and not kept with you or in your room.
You can see the vehicle schedule by typing "vehicle" from a terminal in Hilo or at the summit. In addition, the vehicle schedule is displayed in a terminal in the JAC office on the second floor. From the terminal room (HP, first floor) you will need to use your account and ssh to ssh.jach.hawaii.edu.
DO NOT drive down after a night's observing without sleep (See here for additional information).
DO NOT use JAC vehicles for anything other than driving from JAC to HP and back (the only exception is driving to a grocery store for supplies on the way to HP).
return vehicles to the back of the JAC - back of the engineering shop or by the lunch benches, if at all possible. Note that the back of the JAC can be reached through the driveway leading to Gemini Base Facility (Visitor Entrance). If there are no spots available, you can park in the main parking lot .
Note the drop box for dropping keys off after hours. (NEEDS PICTURE)
Observers should read the yellow book in the vehicle glove compartment before driving a vehicle type for the first time, and refer to it in case of difficulty. Also note that the yellow book does not contain what is important to know about driving a specific vehicle. Observers should also read and use the vehicles owners manual for this information.
Not all JAC vehicles have anti lock brakes. Check for an ABS light on switching on the ignition. Doubt? Check the Yellow Book.
Schedule changes: contact scheduler (9696501) or, at weekends, at home (use the staffinfo command from a staff account).
Problems with vehicles - leave note in the car, send email to vehicle@jach.hawaii.edu, let TSS know
Accidents - you are allowed to attempt to help out in case of an accident, but make sure you take precautions if there is blood around. Gloves and masks are provided in the medical kit box in the boot. Note that the yellow book contains vehicle accidents procedures.
Seat belts - Driver and all passengers are required to wear seat belts, on a no belt, no ride basis.
Smoking - not allowed in JAC vehicles.
Hitchhikers - not allowed unless injured, or in distress.
Towing - not allowed but for JAC vehicles. If you encounter someone on the road needing towed, phone a towing company (check the yellow book or call the summit to get the number from the phone book).
Car doors - Do not leave any personal belonging in the cars! Lock at HP (we've had safety equipment stolen would you believe it); unlock at UKIRT/JCMT (in case of icing up).
Fuel - Filling on the way up from JAC is recommended for half a tank or less; note that the gas station is not on the usual way to HP (along the Puainako extension). Instead, to reach the gas station you will have to take the Mohouli extension: the gas station will be at the intersection with Kaumana Drive, on the opposite corner of the intersection. See HERE for a map.
Bring enough warm clothing to get to safety if the car breaks down on the road.
Phone - The satellite phone is provided for emergency or operational use only. It is acceptable to use this to call for a taxi when arriving in Hilo after hours or at weekends. No personal calls.

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