Step-By-Step Guide To Starting A Car Pool

  1. Invite the drivers you want to involve in the carpool to a meeting (school, scouts, sports, clubs, church activities, etc.).
  2. Prepare everyone to talk about their safety habits as well as schedules. Tell everyone to bring:
    1. Proof of Insurance
    2. Valid driver's License
  3. Have everyone complete the Carpool Safety Checklist at the meeting.
  4. Insist that your child is well protected. Carpools are not for everyone. If you are uncomfortable with the level of protection afforded by someone in the carpool, speak up. Your child counts on you to protect him or her.
  5. Encourage your child to tell you if they are uncomfortable or feel unsafe in someone's car. Listen to your child!
  6. Teach your child to protect him or herself by sitting in the back seat and wearing the safety belt if no other product (booster seat, car seat) is available in every car, for every ride.
  7. Agree to meet again as a group to address any concerns.
  8. Establish a roster with names, phone numbers and emergency contacts for each child.

Carpool Driver Safety Checklist

  • All drivers will buckle up and require all occupants to be properly restrained.
  • All children under 13 will ride in the back seat.
  • Vehicles will have as many safety belts as children in the carpool.
  • All cars are in good repair, including tires, windows and brakes.
  • No one will substitute a driver if the carpool member is unable to drive (talk about what everyone will do if this happens)
  • Carpool drivers follow a strict "no alcohol or other drugs" policy when they drive the carpool.
  • Carpool drivers will follow the speed limit and other safety laws
  • Children in the carpool will use a booster seat or car seat in each vehicle. (Decide whether each driver will purchase one or you will transfer it between vehicles. Promise to do the same for each child you transport)
  • Remember that all booster seats require use of a lap AND shoulder belt.
  • Define "emergency" and how the carpool will function (e.g., you drop a child off and no one is home or your car won't start.) at the meeting.
  • There are no weapons carried in the vehicle.
  • Diver is of good character and has not been convicted of a crime against a child.