WorkCamp Driving Policy

Any individual who wishes to drive for WorkCamp must be authorized to drive by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington Office of Risk Management. While it is possible that a given driver may drive their personal vehicle, it is highly likely that a driver may be asked while at WorkCamp to operate a Diocesan owned or rented vehicle. For this reason, all adults driving for WorkCamp must be authorized drivers to meet the diocesan insurance requirements. Please consult the Authorized Driver web page for more information.

Given that driving an unfamiliar vehicle increases the risk for having an accident; extra effort must to be taken to prevent undesirable outcomes during WorkCamp. It is important to take appropriate steps to reduce potential accidents and incidents for the benefit of all involved.

 

Driver Requirements

To be eligible to drive for WorkCamp, drivers must conform to the following requirements:

  1.  Age Limit. Only designated youth staff and volunteers authorized to drive by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington Office of Risk Management will drive the parish owned or rented vehicles for WorkCamp. These drivers must be at least 25 years old.
  2. Follow the Laws. Driving is a privilege. The driver must agree to obey all state laws, including speed limits, and to follow the driving guidelines set in this policy. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all vehicle safety and traffic laws are observed.
  3. No Cell Phone. Cell calls and texting is not permitted while driving. The only exception is when the driver has his/her cell phone synchronized to the hands-free calling system in the vehicle.
  4. Valid License. The driver must have a valid driver's license.

 

Driving Guidelines

These rules are for all WorkCamp drivers:

  1.  Air Bags. Youth weighing less than 100 pounds may not be seated near an air bag.
  2. Bad Weather. Do not drive in severe weather with low visibility or in downpours. Please pull over and/or shelter in the safest means possible.
  3. Passengers. The number of passengers may not exceed the number of working passenger seat restraints. Passengers may leave the vehicle only when the engine is turned off or the driver gives verbal permission. No youth are to leave the vehicle while it is stopped in traffic or at a traffic signal. Passengers are not to hinder or distract the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
  4. Report Violations. If a driver disregards any of the driving guidelines it should be reported to a WorkCamp supervisor and a WorkCamp Incident report should be turned in at that time. It shall be the WorkCamp supervisor's decision as to any actions taken.
  5. Seat Belts. Everyone is to have a seat belt on while the vehicle is in motion, even when the law allows otherwise.
  6. Vehicle Safety. All vehicles used for WorkCamp shall meet all legal requirements, including current license plates.

 

Using Personal Vehicles

The Commonwealth of Virginia states the owner of the vehicle is responsible for any damage or injury caused by an accident which occurs while the owner or a designated driver operates the vehicle. The owner's insurance will take the first “hit” when driving a personal vehicle. The state also requires all drivers to have the following mandatory automobile insurance:

  • Bodily injury/death of one person $25,000
  • Bodily injury/death of two or more persons $50,000
  • Property damage $20,000

Employees and volunteers are responsible to maintain the minimum state limits on their insurance policy if they drive their personal vehicle for WorkCamp. Proof of insurance may be requested.

 

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

Any automobile accident involving a diocesan owned or rented vehicle must be promptly reported to a WorkCamp supervisor. Drivers are asked to follow these steps when an accident occurs:

  • Immediately stop at the scene of the accident.
  • Call 911.
  • There may be situations where the police will not come to the scene but allow them to determine that.
  • Exchange information with the other driver(s) (Name, address, contact information, license plate number, insurance carrier, and policy number).
  • Obtain names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
  • Take photos of the damages, positions of the vehicles, and the accident scene if you have a camera.
  • Do not offer to pay for anything, admit fault, or argue with the other driver(s).
  • Fill out a WorkCamp Incident Report and turn it in to the WorkCamp Projects Office.
  • As soon as practicable, complete the Office of Risk Management Automobile Accident Report and submit it to the Office of Risk Management by either fax or email found at the top of the form.