Driver Screening

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Safe transportation starts with the driver.
By Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company | posted 5/08/2009

Try also: Bus, Caravan, Collision, Drivers, Transportation, Travel, Travel Insurance, Trip planning

Every time they get behind the wheel, ministry drivers may be asked to drive long distances, enforce unpopular rules like seatbelt use, and make sure everyone gets home safely. Screening prospective drivers can help you determine if candidates are up to the challenge.

Choosing Safe Drivers

Plan to select at least one primary qualified driver for each vehicle your ministry owns. Keep a list of all approved, trained drivers, and avoid situations where people who are not on the list are thrust into the driver's seat.

You can screen your drivers by using the following criteria:

1. Proper Licensing

Make sure your drivers are properly licensed for the vehicles they will operate. Most states require a commercial driver license (CDL) for driving buses and large vans. Generally, a commercial license is needed if the vehicle weighs more than 26,000 pounds or is designed to transport more than 16 people (including the driver). Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the CDL requirements in your state.

2. Age

Carefully consider the age of potential drivers. Those under 21 or over 65 pose considerably greater risk for auto accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Young drivers, regardless of maturity, lack behind-the-wheel experience—particularly when it involves transporting others. Elderly drivers may have slower reaction times and physical or visual impairments.

3. Experience & Training

Identify drivers with as much experience as possible. Drivers of any age who haven't driven often are more likely to have accidents. Choose drivers that are specially trained to handle a larger van or bus. The most severe accidents usually are caused by drivers' lack of understanding of the handling dynamics of longer vehicles, which are more prone to rollover than cars.

4. Driving Record

Obtain candidates' driving records. Look for people without reckless driving citations or multiple moving violations. Your ministry may be judged negligent for allowing someone with a poor driving record to operate a vehicle.