God’s people have been called to the highest standards of morality and conduct in all areas of their lives. This is particularly important for those in ministry. Young people and their parents place great trust in their Young Life Australia leaders. That trust must never be violated by staff or volunteers of Young Life Australia. The driver of motor vehicles and the quality of the motor vehicle is of paramount concern and these areas can have devastating effects on passengers as well as drivers. Therefore, we have developed this driver’s policy as Young Life Australia’s policy and course of action for all persons involved.
Young Life Australia’s understanding of appropriate care and conduct whilst driving comes from the Scriptures, which affirm the highest standard of conduct in all areas of our lives. Although driving and the quality of the vehicle being driven is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures, it is clear that due care must at all times be taken.
1 Peter 5:2-3 – ‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.’
The conclusion that we can draw from this Scripture is that in all areas, we must set the example to all people involved in the ministry and this must include the quality of those driving young people around as well as the vehicles in which they are driven.
Guidelines for Drivers
Private Vehicles
No person under the age of 18 is allowed to drive any young person in the care of Young Life Australia at Young Life Australia activities. All drivers must fill out a driver questionnaire (which you will be taken to next in the course) prior to starting to drive at Young Life Australia activities. The questionnaire will then be screened by the National Office. If the driver does not qualify, he/she will be notified through the area staff person or senior club leader.
All drivers must hold a valid drivers license in the state or territory in which they live and must comply with the current road laws governing that state or territory. Under no circumstances is any driver allowed to operate a vehicle, which they are not licensed to drive.
Young Life Australia Owned Vehicles
As above for private vehicles.
No person under the age of 25 is allowed to drive a Young Life Australia vehicle unless the National Office gives approval and the appropriate information is delivered to the insurance company. The insurance company must then give approval for that person to be a driver of a Young Life Australia owned vehicle. If the driver does not qualify, he/she will be notified through the area staff person or senior club leader. The only time an unauthorised person may drive a Young Life Australia vehicle is in the event of an emergency.
It is extremely important that these regulations be complied with, as failure to do so could result in jeopardy to our insurance program and the individual involved.
Vehicle Safety
High priority for any staff person or volunteer leader working with young people is safety. Not only are Young Life Australia owned vehicles or other vehicles used for Young Life Australia purposes to have travel first aid kits, spare tyre, tools, etc., but they are required to be in good maintenance and mechanical order. All vehicles must pass the regular safety checks of the state or territory in which the vehicle is registered. All vehicles should be fitted with seat belts.
Accident Review
Privately Owned Vehicles
Should a driver in an area have an accident in their private vehicle while serving Young Life Australia, that person is required to complete a Vehicle Accident Review with his or her supervisor and send it to National Office. The purpose of this exercise is to create awareness of the cause of the particular accident in hopes of preventing similar accidents for that individual in the future. It will also be helpful in any insurance claims against Young Life Australia.
Young Life Australia Owned Vehicle
Should a driver in an area have an accident while driving a Young Life Australia vehicle, that person is required to complete a Vehicle Accident Review with his or her supervisor and send it to National Office. They are also required to fill out the necessary forms for the insurance company and pay the cost of the excess on the insurance claim. The purpose of this exercise is to create awareness of the cause of the particular accident in hopes of preventing similar accidents for that individual in the future.
Casual Drivers
Casual drivers are drivers who are not regular Young Life Australia paid staff or volunteer team members. These drivers are occasional volunteers who can offer the service of their own private vehicle and or their driving experience to drive a privately owned vehicle or a rental vehicle for a specific Young Life Australia activity or camp. A casual driver will need to fill out a casual driver’s questionnaire for each and every separate activity that he or she will drive for.