When considering any aspect of transportation to and from a Youth Ministry
event, the definitive authority is your (Arch) Diocesan transportation policy. You
should review the policy periodically and refer to it any time a question arises
about transportation. You should also take the online training course:
Church Transportation – Is it Necessary and Ministry-Based?

In general, it is best to limit any church-provided transportation as much as
possible. Thus, whenever possible, it’s best to have participants meet at the
location. If that is not practical, the next best option is to hire a contracted carrier
or utilize public transportation (i.e. airlines, city bus, etc.) If public transportation
is used, no further information is required. However, if transportation is provided
through a contracted carrier, signed contracts should be executed with
appropriate hold harmless/indemnity language protecting the parish and the
(Arch) Diocese. Also, contracted carriers should provide proof of insurance with
minimum limits of liability of $2,000,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) for in-state
travel and $5,000,000 CSL for travel involving multiple states.

The third option would be utilization of volunteer drivers. A volunteer driver
should always be a minimum of 21 years of age and not have any impairment
which could prohibit safely driving the vehicle. If the volunteer will be responsible
for transporting other individuals, the recommended minimum age is 25.
Volunteer drivers should complete the Volunteer Driver Form. (Exhibit D) For
frequent drivers, a Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR) is recommended.

Volunteers using their own vehicle must maintain minimum liability coverage on
their vehicle of $100,000/$300,000. The volunteer should be informed in
advance that their insurance would be primary if an accident occurred. Please
reference guidelines for determining Unacceptable Drivers. (Exhibit E)

We recommend that all volunteer drivers be required to take the online defensive
driving course Be Smart – Drive Safe. This course is available at no cost and
takes less than 20 minutes to complete.

Volunteer drivers must also complete the Driver Acknowledgement Form.
(Exhibit F) This important form reviews safe driving practices all drivers should
follow

Click here to watch the training video: Be Smart - Drive Safe

Please note the video is available in English and Spanish.