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• Driver Qualifications and Training
• Is the driver at least 21 years of age?



• Does the driver have a valid driver’s license for the vehicle being driven?



• Has a background check been conducted on the driver?


• The driver should have no record of substance abuse and no convictions for crimes of violence including sexual assault or child abuse.

Note: The driver must be drug free and sober, never using alcohol or other substances within 12 hours before transporting children. Prescription medicine that could impair judgment or driving performance must not be used by the driver when transporting children.



• Have all drivers been trained on these safety essentials?


• The proper use and installation of safety restraints (car seats, seat belts, booster seats).


• The proper placement of children in a vehicle.


Examples:
Infants, from birth to at least age one, and less than 20 pounds should ride in the back seat in a rear facing safety seat.

Children under 12 should be placed in the rear seat of a car to prevent injury from front seat air bags.


• Knowledge of the quickest route to an emergency facility and an alternative route if the first can not be used such as in a flood or snowstorm.


• Defensive driving skills.


• How to handle emergency situations including:


• Recognizing signs of an emergency.
• First aid and rescue breathing (CPR if necessary).
• Familiar with the treatment plans of any children with special needs or chronic illnesses.
• Keeping children safe in case of a traffic accident involving the vehicle.




• Do drivers follow these rules that prevent distractions?


• No loud radios or CD players in use.


• Does not use ear phones while children are in the vehicles.


• Cell phones used only when the vehicle is stopped.

Note: If the program contracts out for transportation services, how are drivers screened and vehicles monitored for safety?



• Car seats and seat belt safety
• Are children buckled up in approved car seats, seat belts or harnesses appropriate to the child’s weight and age?


• Children under 40 pounds must use approved car safety seats.


• Children between 40 – 80 pounds must use belt-positioning booster seats with lap and shoulder belts.


• Children over 80 pounds and all adults must use a seat belt.


• Two children should NEVER share one seat belt.



• Are car seats installed properly?
  
  
Click here for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Are You Using it Right?



• Is the car seat right for my child’s height and weight?
  
  
Click here NHTSA General Child Seat Use Information


• Transportation safety and good travel behavior
• Are children taught and modeled good transportation safety behavior?


• Safe riding practices – no jumping, getting out of seat belts, hitting or kicking other passengers.


• Safe loading and unloading procedures – no running, pushing other passengers.


• Safe procedures for crossing the street.



• Do children and caregivers regularly practice emergency evacuation drills from the vehicle used for transporting?



• Are children riding and/or sitting in the vehicle no more than an hour?



• Is the interior temperature comfortable?


Note: It should not be hotter than 82 degrees F or colder than 65 degrees F.



• Are drop off and pick up points supervised?



• Are drop off and pick up points away from traffic?



• Do caregivers reduce the chances that children will need to cross the street in order to board or get off the vehicle?



• Is there no smoking in the vehicle even when children are not present?



• Is the vehicle stocked with a first aid kit and emergency identification and contact information for all children?



• Is there a cell phone for emergencies?



• Is there a back up transportation plan in the case of an emergency or vehicle failure?

Example: The program’s vehicle has a flat tire during a field trip. What is the backup plan for children to be transported safely back to the facility?


• Vehicle Maintenance and Insurance

Are the facility’s vehicles cleaned and inspected, inside and out, at least weekly?


• Items to observe:


• Car seats maintained and clean.


• Good tread and pressure on all tires.


• Lights and signals in working order.


• Car doors open easily and close without slamming.

Note: Ask to see repair and maintenance records. The vehicle should be serviced by a reputable dealer or mechanic every six months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first.

Does the caregiver have adequate insurance coverage for transporting children?


Note: Adequate insurance coverage protects both children and the child care program. Insurance reduces risks, because insurance companies require that a vehicle meet health and safety regulations before they issue or renew a policy.